Karen Hughes (File photo)

 BEIJING, Mar. 15 -- US President George W. Bush has chosen one of his closest advisors, Karen Hughes, as an envoy in charge of promoting the US image abroad.

    The post is a key one with the deterioration of the US' reputation around the world, particularly in Arab countries, since the March 2003 invasion of Iraq.

    48-year-old Hughes is a longtime Bush associate who played a key role in his 2000 election campaign.

    Bush expressed his trust in her in a statement Monday read by White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

    "Karen Hughes has been one of my most trusted and closest advisers, and she has the experience, expertise and judgment to lead this critical effort."

    In her new job, Hughes will work under Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who called her the most suitable candidate for the national public relations job.

    "I can think of no individual more suited for this task of telling America's story to the world, of nurturing America's dialogue with the world, and advancing universal values for the world, than Karen Hughes."

    However, Hughes admits that rebuilding the US image abroad after the Bush administration's unilateral decision to invade Iraq two years ago will be a huge challenge.

    "This job will be difficult. Perceptions do not change quickly or easily. This is a struggle for ideas. Clearly in the world after 9/11, we must do a better job of engaging with the Muslim world."

    Hughes said the United States had "much to learn about becoming better citizens of the world," and education is a vital part of public diplomacy.

    If confirmed by the US Senate, Hughes will take up the title of undersecretary of state for public diplomacy with an ambassador's rank.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)