Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday announced his new cabinet which consists of 17 ministers and eight parliamentary secretaries -- the largest cabinet in the country's history.

Abela was confident that with the new blood, his cabinet will be the most effective and will deliver what the country has been promised especially in the fields such as the environment, good governance and equality.

The swearing-in ceremony of all ministers and parliamentary secretaries was held on Wednesday, presided by President George Vella.

Addressing a press conference afterwards, Abela said that the cabinet is prepared for future challenges. "The country will keep moving forward in the direction of stability and peace of mind."

He said he had made changes in some sectors so that greater emphasis could be placed on particular aspects such as social housing, consumer affairs, the protection of heritage and animal rights. More importance was also being given to good governance and observance of the law, which he would oversee directly.

"This is a cabinet with new blood and new energy and includes all three female Labour MPs, which shows that the government is placing equality reforms high on its agenda," he said.