(CNN) Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a former rival of President-elect Donald Trump, said Tuesday indicated he's willing to support the incoming president's secretary of state nominee, Rex Tillerson.

Donald Trump picks ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as choice for secretary of state https://t.co/KNgbUeJ1By pic.twitter.com/p3eoao4jm7 — CNN (@CNN) December 13, 2016

JUST WATCHED Tillerson pick could spark confirmation battle Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Tillerson pick could spark confirmation battle 04:45

"I have an open mind," Paul told CNN's Erin Burnett.

The Kentucky senator's libertarian foreign policy views often put him at odds with some in his party. To Paul, one of the critical focuses of the next administration must be learning from "the mistakes of the Iraq War."

He said he thinks this is something Trump understands, adding: "I want his secretary of state to, also."

At present, one of the most controversial aspects of Tillerson's candidacy is the ExxonMobil CEO's presumed ties to Russian President Vladamir Putin

Read More