Finland's new president Stubb sworn into office in Helsinki

Alexander Stubb took the oath of office as Finland's new president at a ceremony in the Finnish capital Helsinki on Friday.

Stubb, a 55-year-old conservative politician and former prime minister, succeeds his party colleague Sauli Niinistö, who was Finland's head of state for 12 years.

In his inaugural speech, Stubb emphasized the importance of collaboration and international cooperation. He argued that global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts cannot be solved between only like-minded countries.

He called on his fellow countrymen to avoid polarization and to listen to each other.

"I promise to work for an open, secure and international Finland," said Stubb. "I promise to defend democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law in all situations. I promise to listen, discuss and care. I promise to fight for Finland to remain a good country in the future - the best country in the world for us Finns."

In mid-February, Stubb narrowly won a run-off election for the presidency against Green politician and former foreign minister Pekka Haavisto.

Stubb is regarded as pro-European and a staunch supporter of Ukraine. The change in office is not expected to significantly alter Finland's defence and foreign policy toward its neighbour, Russia.

Finland joined the NATO military alliance last year. Finland's border with Russia is around 1,340 kilometres long.

The post of president plays a more active role in Finnish politics than in many other European parliamentary democracies, where it is often primarily a ceremonial position.

Finland's president, in contrast, plays an important role in setting foreign and security policy together with government ministers. He is also commander-in-chief of the Finnish armed forces.

Niinistö, one of the most popular presidents in Finnish history, was not allowed to run again for re-election after having already served two six-year terms.