Bogota, Aug. 7 -- Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's President on Friday (local time) following his victory in the June presidential runoff, ushering in a new administration that has pledged to strengthen security, reduce the size of the state and revive the country's oil and gas sector.

According to Al Jazeera, De La Espriella formally assumed office after campaigning on promises to crack down on armed groups, streamline government and boost Colombia's energy industry.

According to The Washington Post, De La Espriella secured at least 49.6 per cent of the vote in the presidential election, narrowly defeating leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda by less than one percentage point. His victory followed a closely contested runoff...