Former Republican congressman and economics professor David Brat has been confirmed as the next United States ambassador to Australia, ending an almost 20-month vacancy in the key diplomatic post.

Brat, a conservative Republican who served two terms in the US House, became nationally known after defeating Republican House leader Eric Cantor in a surprise 2014 primary victory.

At his Senate confirmation hearing, Brat identified critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, defence cooperation and the Indo-Pacific partnership as his key priorities in Australia. He also pledged to push ahead with AUKUS cooperation.

His appointment comes at an important time for Australia-US relations, with both countries facing issues involving tariffs, defence cooperation and critical minerals.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the appointment, saying Brat would find Australia a “warm host and good friend”.