Kelly Kraft to be Nikki Haley's successor at UN

Washington, Feb23: President Donald Trump has nominated his envoy to Canada Kelly Knight Craft as the next United States Ambassador to the United Nations to succeed Indian-American Nikki Haley.

In October, Haley announced that she was leaving the post by the end of the year.

The 46-year-old former South Carolina governor has served nearly two years in the post. She was the first Indian-American ever appointed to a Cabinet position in any US presidential administration.

If confirmed by the Senate, Craft, 56, would replace Haley.

"I am pleased to announce that Kelly Knight Craft, our current Ambassador to Canada, is being nominated to be United States Ambassador to the United Nations," Trump announced on Twitter Friday night.

"Kelly has done an outstanding job representing our nation and I have no doubt that, under her leadership, our country will be represented at the highest level. Congratulations to Kelly and her entire family!" Trump said.

Haley congratulated Craft shortly after the president's online announcement.

"She's done a great job representing us as @USAmbCanada and we know she'll be a strong voice for America at the United Nations. #USstrong," the former ambassador said in a Tweet.

A former businesswoman, Craft is the country's first woman ambassador to Canada.

Craft is Trump's second choice to replace Haley.

His first choice, former State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, withdrew her name from consideration on February 16, citing personal and family reasons.