New York, Sep. 23 : Former US President Bill Clinton has described Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as one of the world''s smartest leaders.

Clinton, who was introducing Rudd as a panellist, along with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, in the opening session of the four-day climate change conference to discuss key global issues, said: "In my opinion, he is one of the most well-informed, well-read, intelligent leaders in the world today."

According to The Times, he also praised Rudd for his government''s recognition of the need to take urgent action on climate change and for its advocacy of the Group of
20 major economies as a preferred vehicle than the smaller G-8 to deal with issues such as the global financial crisis and climate change. (ANI)