Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Singapore's president-elect Tony Tan Keng Yam was sworn in for a term of six years as the seventh president of the republic on Thursday.

The ceremony at the Istana was witnessed by cabinet ministers, members of the judiciary, lawmakers and senior civil servants.

Both President Tan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed the importance of unity for the nation in their speeches.

"I will seek to work not only with the government, but also with civil society and community groups to advance the interests of all Singaporeans, whatever their political persuasions," Tan said.