Turnbull rejects meeting with Rudd

Malcolm Turnbull knocked back Kevin Rudd's request for a face-to-face meeting to discuss the former prime minister's bid to run for the United Nations' top job.

Mr Rudd said in a statement on Friday it was a "pity" the government had not seen fit to support him and that Mr Turnbull was only available for a phone call despite the two being in Sydney at the same time.

"It would have reflected well on what our nation can offer to the world - as a middle power with relationships across the world, including the developing world, smaller states, the Commonwealth, our Pacific Island friends and of course our partners in Asia," Mr Rudd said.