US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman resigns

MOSCOW, Aug 6 (MENA) - US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman on Tuesday turned in his resignation letter to President Trump, The Hill reported.

“American citizenship is a privilege and I believe the most basic responsibility in return is service to country,” Huntsman wrote. “To that end, I am honored by the trust you have placed in me as the United States ambassador to Russia during this historically difficult period in bilateral relations."

“It is my hope that this will allow sufficient time for a successor to be nominated and confirmed,” he added. “I pledge my full effort in facilitating a smooth transition that ensures our foreign policy goals are kept in proper focus.”

His resignation will take effect Oct. 3.

Huntsman, a former Utah governor, is planning to move back to the state in the fall and is reportedly weighing another gubernatorial run. He was expected to leave his role amid speculation that he would launch a bid to run for state office.

The 59-year-old ambassador was elected as Utah’s governor in 2004 and again in 2008. He left his post in 2009 to become the US ambassador to China at former President Obama's request.

He resigned in 2011 to pursue an ultimately unsuccessful GOP presidential run.

Trump picked Huntsman to handle relations with Russia in his first year in the White House. Huntsman reportedly told the Trump administration at the time that he would serve in the role for two years.