MONROVIA -- Liberia's new president, George Weah, took the oath of office on Monday with a vow to discharge his duties faithfully, and to the best of his ability, and "always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being, and prosperity" of the west African country.

Weah, a former international soccer star, was sworn in as Liberia's 25th president at exactly noon local time, inside the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium near the capital city of Monrovia.

"There is more hope among our allies," Weah said in his inaugural speech. "Relationship will grow much stronger during my tenure."

Weah took over from Africa's first elected female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who served a two-term tenure of 12 years.

The presidential inauguration on Monday was the country's first transition between democratically-elected leaders since 1944.

The new president promised to bolster the weak economy and eradicate corruption in the country.

At least eight African heads of state and some international soccer stars witnessed the ceremony.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy, Li Bin, also attended the inauguration.