U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice (R) speaks during a White House ceremony in Washington D.C., the United States, June 5, 2013. U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday tapped UN ambassador Susan Rice to be the next national security advisor, taking the post vacated by Tom Donilon, who has resigned. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

WASHINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday tapped UN ambassador Susan Rice to be the next national security advisor, taking the post vacated by Tom Donilon, who has resigned.

Obama made the announcement at a White House ceremony. He said Donilon will depart in July, and will be by his side when he meets Chines President Xi Jinping this weekend in California.

Obama praised both Donilon and Rice in his remarks. He said Rice is a "consummate public servant," while highlighting Donilon' s work ethics.

Rice, an Obama confidant, lost out in the nomination deliberations of secretary of state due to her involvement in the Benghazi talking points debacle. Obama has complained Republicans have singled her out for attacks.

Obama also nominated Samantha Power, a former national security staffer, to be the next UN ambassador. The nomination of Power needs Senate approval.