Dec. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said in Baghdad yesterday Australian troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by June, Agence France-Presse reported.

``I visited the Australian battle group in Talil and spoke directly to what is a fine body of men and women,'' AFP cited Rudd as saying at a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki. ``That battle group will come to a conclusion as of June next year. And that will be the last battle group we deploy.''

Australia will continue to support Iraq through its naval deployment in the Persian Gulf to ensure the security of Iraq's exports, Rudd said, according to AFP. Australia will also continue to train Iraqi troops and police in Australia and Jordan, he said.

Rudd, who was elected Nov. 24, vowed to withdraw Australia's 550 soldiers in southern Iraq while he was opposition leader.

To contact the reporter on this story: David McIntyre in Sydney at dmcintyre2@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 21, 2007 19:06 EST