A veteran politician who was serving as Egypt's interim prime minister has been sworn in as the head of a new cabinet by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in his first major decision since his election victory last month.

Ibrahim Mahlab was re-appointed as the country's new prime minister on Tuesday in front of Sisi, the former army chief who won 93 percent of votes in May's presidential election.

Mahlab, who previously served as member of Hosni Mubarak's government, took the oath of office along with his new ministers at an early morning ceremony at the presidential palace in Cairo.

"I swear by God to sincerely protect the republican system, to respect the constitution and law and take full care of the people's interests, protect the independence of the nation and the unity and safety of its lands," he said.

Mahlab's new government of 34 ministers has seen the appointment of 13 new ministers, with four women and several technocrats.

Nabil Fahmy, the foreign minister, has been replaced by a former ambassador to Washington DC, Sameh Shoukri; banker Ashraf Salman has been appointed investment minister; and university professor Naglaa El Ahwany has been named minister for international cooperation.

The new line-up has retained most ministers from the previous government, including interior, defence and finance.

Sisi has promised to put security and restoring the country's struggling economy at the top of his agenda, and has pledged to build a more stable future after three turbulent years since the toppling of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak.

PHOTO CAPTION

Egypt's then housing minister Ibrahim Mahlab, pictured during a press conference in Cairo, on January 16, 2014.

Aljazeera