President-elect Barack Obama has unveiled his national security team and named New York Senator Hillary Clinton the new Secretary of State.

Barack called Hillary a "dear friend" and said he would be proud to have her serve as Secretary of State.

Hillary was a close runner up to Obama as the Presidential nominee for the democratic party this year.

Former President Bill Clinton released statement regarding his wife's new role. "As an American, I am thankful that President-elect Barack Obama has asked Hillary to be Secretary of State and that she has accepted. As her husband, I am deeply proud."

He continues, "She has already earned the respect of foreign leaders and diplomats through her work to promote human rights and the empowerment of women through access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity."

"Leaving the Senate is very difficult [for] me," Hillary says. "Mr. President-elect, I am proud to join you."