Speaking at a press conference, Clinton said it was wonderful to be back in Helsinki, noting the strong bilateral relationship with Finland on such issues as security, energy and women's rights.
“Finland always wins hands down when it comes to my personal tally of the number of women actual participating in international conferences,” she noted.
The foreign secretary added her trip to the Finnish textile company Marimekko was akin to a pilgrimage, describing the iconic firm as “a symbol of Finland’s commitment to gender equality”.
Clinton said she had first become familiar with Marimekko during her student days.
Questioned by Yle on the current situation in Syria, Clinton said the upcoming Geneva meeting to be headed by U.N. special envoy Kofi Annan could prove to be a turning point.
“If Annan’s road map for change in Syria is endorsed by Russia and China, it will send a different message to Assad,” Clinton observed at the press conference.
Clinton arrived in Finland early Wednesday morning. She met with Finland's political leaders including President Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen and Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja.
The U.S. Secretary of State is on a three-nation trip. On Friday, she meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
