(Transcript from SBS World News Radio)
Afghanistan has inaugurated its first democratically elected President in more than a decade, swearing in former Finance Minister, Ashraf Ghani.
The inauguration also named presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah chief executive, a post similar to prime minister.
The ceremony ends months of political deadlock over the April and June elections in which both candidates claimed victory.
There are now hopes for peace and prosperity, as Afghanistan enters a new era.
Zara Zaher reports.
(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full report)
(Through interpreter) "I will obey the constitution and all laws and will implement it, safeguard the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan."
An historic moment for Afghanistan as Ashraf Ghani is sworn in as the country's new President.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony in the presidential palace in Kabul, Mr Ghani promised to govern in the interests of all Afghans.
Mr Ghani has replaced Hamid Karzai, in the first peaceful transition of power from one elected leader to another in Afghanistan.
The inauguration marks the end of Mr Karzai's 13-year rule since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.
Mr Karzai says he is glad to be stepping down from what he says is one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
(Through interpreter) "I wish prosperity and success for the nation. And I am firmly sure that Afghanistan is moving towards a good path to the long-lasting peace and we will achieve it soon and we will be cooperatibe and supportive to our President and our Chief executive. Long live Afghanistan. (cheers) Long live the great nation of Afghanistan. (cheers)."
The handover of power in Afghanistan was much smoother than the election process leading up to it.
Ashraf Ghani will head a power-sharing government, ending a prolonged stand off over the disputed April and June election results.
Both Mr Ghani and his rival candidate, Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory and accused each other of vote rigging.
But Mr Ghani says the unity government will mean a new and more peaceful journey for the country and its leaders.
"And today based on the agreement of the national unity government we are together in a government for the sake of reforms in all political and social sectors of the government. With respect and honesty we are together."
Nader Nadery is from the Free and Fair Election Forum.
He's told Al Jazeera, the two former rivals can work together now and the unity deal will overcome the challenges facing Afghanistan.
"Both of these leaders have tried to make sure that they agree on most of the agenda for the way forward. People who participated in this inauguration have felt the sense of unity and felt proud to be a witness of what has happened for the first time in a very long and brutal history of the country."
Even if its top figures can work together, the new government inherits massive problems, including fighting an ongoing Taliban insurgency which in recent months has involved ever more aggressive attacks as foreign troops draw down.
Mr Ghani must also reset relations with the United States which have soured in the final stages of Hamid Karzai's administration.
One of Mr Ghani's first acts as president is expected to be signing a bilateral security agreement to allow a small contingent of US forces to remain in the country after the end of this year.
The US says the estimated 10,000 troops will stay to train and assist the new Afghan army and police after the international combat mission ends on December 31.
Mr Karzai had refused to sign it, but both Mr Ghani and Mr Abdullah are in favour of signing it promptly.
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