A handout picture released by the Iraqi Parliament's Press office on May 6, 2020 shows Iraqi members of parliament meeting to vote on new government led by Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi. (PHOTO / AFP)

BAGHDAD - Iraq's prime minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Wednesday was sworn in as the country's new prime minister after weeks of political negotiations.

The lawmakers rejected five ministers -- ministers of trade, justice, culture, agriculture and migration, and the ministries of oil and foreign affairs also remain vacant

In a session attended by 266 lawmakers late Wednesday, the lawmakers approved 15 ministers proposed by al-Kadhimi, including Othman al-Ghanmi as interior minister and Gomaa Enad as defence minister. The ministers of finance, housing, health, and education were also approved, among others.

ALSO READ: Iraq intelligence chief named as new PM-designate

The lawmakers rejected five ministers -- ministers of trade, justice, culture, agriculture and migration, and the ministries of oil and foreign affairs also remain vacant.

"It is a difficult stage. The challenges that Iraq faces are great ... but they are not greater than our ability to address them," al-Kadhimi said in his address to the parliament before the voting.

"This government came in response to a social, economic and political crisis to be a solution government, not a crisis government," al-Kadhimi added.

READ MORE: Pandemic pushes some Iraqis, broken by conflict, into poverty

After al-Kadhimi's swearing-in, he vowed to "work with the ministerial team to win the trust and support of the people. I hope that all political parties will unite to face the difficult challenges."

Al-Kadhimi, 53, has headed the Iraqi Intelligence Service since June 2016.

On April 9, Iraqi President Barham Salih named al-Kadhimi as prime minister-designate to replace Adnan al-Zurfi, and asked him to form a new government within 30 days.