Traian Basescu, the former opposition leader, was sworn in as new president of Romania on Monday evening, vowing to fight corruption and poverty.

In his inauguration speech, the 53-year-old former Bucharest mayor said corruption leads to poverty and constitutes a threat to national security. He sees the fight against corruption as part of Romania's national defense strategy.

He also pledged to improve the living conditions of the retired and farmers and to provide opportunities for young people.

On Romania's foreign policy, Basescu said the priority is to join the European Union (EU). Since the accession negotiations have concluded, Romania now needs to shift its attention to its endeavor to meet EU's political and economic requirements.

Another priority is to promote Romania's role in NATO, he said, adding his country is open to all allies, partners and friendly countries.

Basescu also stressed the importance of promoting Romania's strategic partnership with the United States and Britain.

On relations with Moldova, he said Romania will be "fully open to Moldova to help the country to modernize itself."

Moldova was part of Romania before it was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. It gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Pro-Romanian and pro-Russian forces have been wrangling with each other since then.

Basescu was sworn in at a joint session of parliament. Nicolae Vacaroiu was re-elected chairman of the Senate and Basescu's rival in the presidential race, Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, was chosen as leader of the Chamber of Deputies.

Source: Xinhua