Australia's Envoy Steps Down Amidst Political Stir

Kevin Rudd, Australia's ambassador to the US and former prime minister, is stepping down earlier than expected. This comes after past criticism of US President Donald Trump. Despite this, Rudd secured support for key defense initiatives. He will now lead the Asia Society think tank.

In a surprising turn of events, Australia's Ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, is stepping down from his position a year earlier than anticipated. The announcement from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sparked discussions particularly due to Rudd's previous criticisms of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

During his tenure, Rudd played a key role in securing ongoing support for the pivotal AUKUS nuclear submarine initiative and a critical minerals agreement, showcasing stable bilateral relations despite his earlier contentious remarks about Trump.

Rudd, now slated to return to lead the Asia Society think tank, intends to focus on U.S.-China relations—believing them to be crucial for regional and global stability. This development marks a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape between Australia and the United States.

(With inputs from agencies.)