President Joe Biden on Wednesday named Caroline Kennedy as the US ambassador to Australia, giving a new public role to the once reticent scion of the celebrated political dynasty. John F. Kennedy's sole surviving child, who will need Senate confirmation, previously served as ambassador to Japan under president Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017. The nomination, which had long been rumored, comes nearly a year into Biden's presidency as many of his other diplomatic nominations have been delayed by his Republican rivals.The nomination, which had long been rumored, comes nearly a year into Biden's presidency as many of his other diplomatic nominations have been delayed by his Republican rivals.
Australia and Japan are among the closest US allies, with US ambassadors historically enjoying warm welcomes. In Australia, much like in Japan, Ms Kennedy will seek to bolster US relationships as tensions rise sharply with a growing China. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne said she and US Secretary of State Antony Blinked looked forward "to having a Senate-confirmed Ambassador in place in Canberra in light of the scope and scale of the shared challenged we face." "I warmly welcome President Biden’s nomination of Caroline Kennedy to serve as the United States’ Ambassador to Australia," Senator Payne said.
Related Items
Rajnath Singh arrives in Canberra to boost India-Australia ties
Australia: 20 injured as gunman opens fire on Sydney street
Sanae Takaichi set to become Japan’s first female PM