MALE - Abdulla Yameen was sworn in as the 6th President of the Republic of Maldives on Sunday, one day after he defeated former president Mohamed Nasheed in the presidential runoff election.

Addressing the nation, he pledged to work for an all inclusive economy and make Maldives a peaceful nation that achieves progress.

He said that he wants to establish a small but effective government, adding that he would take steps to reduce government expenditure.

He noted that his priority is to improve the economy of the Indian Ocean island nation.