The president-elect of the Marshall Islands has indicated he expects his upcoming four year term will be a challenging one.
David Kabua, a veteran politician and son of founding president Amata Kabua, was elected president on Monday by Parliament 20 votes to 12 with one abstention.
New Marshall Islands President David Kabua, second from right, shortly after being elected Monday morning at the Nitijela (parliament). He is with, from left: Kwajalein Senator and paramount chief Michael Kabua, Marshall Islands Ambassador to the United States Gerald Zackios, and US Ambassador Karen Stewart. Photo: Giff Johnson.
Mr Kabua has previously held the health and internal affairs ministerial portfolios.
Our correspondent Giff Johnson said Mr Kabua had wasted no time in indicating his priorities.
"Climate change was a big concern. Negotiations with the US on extending a funding arrangement beyond 2023 when the current one expires and he also mentioned the Runit Dome the Nuclear Waste Storage facility as things on his mind," he said.
A president in the Marshall Islands is usually inaugrated within a week of being elected and once they have sorted their Cabinet.
Kenneth Kedi was re-elected as Speaker during the session.