In his inauguration address to parliament, the former junta chief said peace and democracy was his priority, and his government would spur foreign investment, develop agriculture and form effective, long-term strategic plans.

Min Aung Hlaing was elected president by parliament a week ago, formalising his grip on political power in war-torn Myanmarfive years after he led a coup that sent the nation spiraling into chaos. 

More than two-thirds of Min Aung Hlaing's 30 ministers, also sworn in Friday, are either retired or serving members of the military.

A similar proportion served in the post-coup junta leadership, while more than ten have been subject to international sanctions.

His carefully choreographed journey from top general to civilian president follows a recent election won in a landslide by an army-backed party but derided by critics and Western governments as a sham designed to perpetuate military rule behind a veneer of democracy.

The coup and ensuing crackdown by a military under Min Aung Hlaing's command led to an intervention by the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which later barred the junta leadership from attending its summits. 

"Myanmar is now well on its way toward democracy but the new government has a lot of challenges to overcome," Min Aung Hlaing said in the speech in the capital Naypyitaw, which lasted less than 20 minutes and was attended by more than 50 foreign guests. 

"The new government will implement a roadmap based on democracy and federalism ... our priorities are democracy and peace." 

"We we will enhance international relations and strive to restore normal relations with ASEAN," he later said. 

Friday's ceremony was attended by representatives from the neighbouring nations of China, India and Thailand -- as well as 20 other countries, according to parliamentary officials.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul this week sent a congratulatory message, according to Myanmar state media, saying that under Min Aung Hlaing's "able leadership" the nations' relations would "grow from strength to strength".

However, China was the election's biggest backer, analysts say, and discussions over stalled Beijing-backed infrastructure projects are now being revived.

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