Jomart Tokayev sworn in as leader of Kazakhstan after long time leader resigned

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been sworn in as Kazakhstan's president, after its long-time leader unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday.

Mr Tokayev will act as interim president for the remainder of the term, as indicated by country's constitution.

He becomes only the second leader in the country's independent history.

Nursultan Nazarbayev, the country's outgoing leader, attended the inauguration of Mr Tokayev and reportedly entered to "lengthy applause" from dignitaries, before he took his seat on a podium, overlooking the new president.

At his inauguration, Mr Tokayev called for continuity, pledging to continue the work of the former president and rely on his opinion in a number of key areas - a suggestion that Mr Nazarbayev will still hold significant influence in the country's government.

Mr Nazarbayev was praised by the new interim president as "an outstanding reformer", and he will remain as chairman of the country's security council, as well as head of the ruling party.

It was also suggested by the interim president that the country's capital, Astana, should be renamed to Nursultan, in recognition of the former president.

(SKY NEWS)