Finland's political leaders have welcomed comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on transatlantic unity during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.
"In a time of headlines heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish, because for us Americans, our home may be in the western hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe," Rubio said.
Finnish foreign minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) told reporters that Rubio's speech was "exactly what has been needed both in Europe and in the United States", adding that it was a welcome change in tone compared to the rhetoric at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos last month.
"Now there was a clear gesture of outreach; this is a good basis on which to continue," Valtonen said, noting that Rubio repeatedly used the word "together".
News agency Reuters reported however that Rubio's speech was "notably short on specifics", as he did not mention Russia once during his half-hour address nor did he specifically refer to Nato by using the alliance's name.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb is also attending the conference, and he is due to meet with Rubio later on Saturday. The pair encountered each other briefly as Stubb was leaving The Economist's on-site studio at the summit, just as Rubio was arriving.
Altogether nearly 50 heads of state and government are attending this year's annual conference, which aims to promote conflict resolution via improved international cooperation and dialogue.
