Former Australian PM Kevin Rudd Appointed Amb. to US

Kevin Rudd has been named Australia's next ambassador to the United States, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Kevin Rudd has been appointed Australia's next ambassador to the United States.

Rudd himself has served as the prime minister of Australia twice, first from 2007 to 2010 and then again briefly from June 2013 to September 2013. He served as foreign minister from 2010 to 2012.

Albanese highlighted Rudd's roles as both prime minister and secretary of state, as well as his academic background as a researcher in China and previous work in the US. Albanese said Rudd "brings unmatched experience to the role."

"Kevin Rudd is an outstanding appointment," Albanese said at a news conference on Tuesday. "He brings a great deal of credit to Australia by agreeing to take up this position as a former prime minister, as a former foreign minister," he added.