Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney bade goodbye to the Philippines after United States President Barack Obama named veteran diplomat Harry K. Thomas Jr., as Washington's new envoy in the country.

"Now, for personal and professiona reasons, I need to plan my return to the United States. So it is with great pleasure that I learned that President Obama has named my successor.  Ambassador-designate Harry Thomas is a personal friend of mine, an exceptional diplomat, and a wonderful person," Kenney said in a statement.

On November 19 (Washington time), Obama appointed Thomas, a career diplomat and served most recently as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources, as new ambassador to the Philippines.

“These individuals will represent our nation well and work to fulfill the important goal of strengthening our relationships abroad. I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years,” the US president said referring to his nominees, including Thomas.

The White House announcement has been forwarded by the United States embassy in Manila to media outfits.

"His nomination still has to be confirmed by the United States Senate, so I will have the opportunity to continue to collaborate with Filipinos to improve lives and strengthen relations between our two countries over the coming months," Kenney said.