Guwahati, April 7 -- Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary To Lam was elected president by the National Assembly on Tuesday, further consolidating his control over the country's political leadership.

Lam, who secured another term as party chief in January, will now also serve as president - bringing together the top party and state positions under one leader in a political system that has traditionally been run through collective leadership.

Speaking after being sworn in, Lam said the dual responsibility was both an honour and a solemn duty.

"For me, taking the responsibility of the general secretary and the president is a very huge honor, a responsibility, and a sacred and noble duty," he said.

National Assembly chairman Tran Tha...