Ethiopia's parliament has sworn in Hailemariam Desalegn as the country's new leader.

Mr. Hailemariam replaces longtime Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, who died of an undisclosed illness last month at the age of 57.

The French News Agency quotes Mr. Hailemariam as pledging to continue Mr. Meles' legacy without any changes.

Mr. Hailemariam was a close ally of the former leader and has previously served as minister of foreign affairs and deputy prime minister. Many say the 47-year-old prime minister was handpicked for the position by Mr. Meles who was planning to step down after the 2015 election.

Mr. Hailemariam will be Ethiopia's first new leader since 1991, when the guerilla movement TPLF overthrew the military junta of Mengistu Hailemariam.