WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken appointed Ambassador Stephen Mull to oversee the transition to President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, the State Department said Thursday.

"Ambassador Mull will work with the president-elect's team to ensure as successful a transition as possible," said spokesman Matthew Miller.

Miller said Blinken emphasized that the peaceful transfer of power is a fundamental element of US democracy as he met workers in the agency.

"That's why it's so important for us to conduct a smooth, efficient, and professional transition process," added Miller.