Legislators in Vietnam have elected an army general as the new state president. The post is the second highest in the country's political hierarchy. The move is seen as an attempt to stabilize the country's politics.

Luong Cuong took the oath on Monday after 440 deputies unanimously elected him. He pledged to strengthen Vietnam's national security, and seek an independent and multilateral foreign policy.

Cuong served more than 40 years in the army, and in May became the fifth-ranking official of the Communist Party's decision-making bureau.

He takes over the role from To Lam, who was appointed in August to the more powerful job of general secretary of the Communist Party.
Two other presidents had resigned within a year and a half amid an anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by Vietnam's former leader, who died in July.

Cuong comes from the army while Lam earlier served as public security minister. Observers say the latest appointments are aimed at restoring balance between Vietnam's military and security factions.