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Australia's ex-Treasurer announced as new ambassador to U.S.

Xinhua, December 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey has been confirmed as Australia's next ambassador to the United States, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday.

"Today I announce the appointment of the Hon Joseph Hockey as Australia's next Ambassador to the United States of America," Bishop said in a statement.

Set to take over from the outgoing Kim Beazley in January, the decision was made after weeks of speculation that Hockey would be given the job, Bishop said.

"Our Alliance with the United Sates is the bedrock of foreign and defence policy and we are working closely together on shared regional and global security, strategic and economic interests," she said.

Bishop said Hockey's background in government, as well as experience in the fields of law and banking make him the perfect fit for the dynamic role with one of Australia's closest trading partners.

Hockey, 50, announced his retirement from politics following his removal from the Treasurer's position when Malcolm Turnbull ousted then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Beazley, following his retirement from politics, held the post from 2010. Enditem