John Kerry starts first day as U.S. secretary of state

Former U.S. Democratic Senator John Kerry on Monday formally started his first day at the State Department as the country's 68th secretary of state.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks during the welcoming ceremony at the Department of State in Washington D.C. on Feb.4, 2013. John Kerry was sworn in on Friday to succeed Hillary Clinton to become U.S. Secretary of State. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

After entering the State Department's lobby, Kerry was greeted by loud cheers from the U.S. foreign service staff.

"This is a remarkable place," he addressed his colleagues at the department. "I want to thank President Obama for his trust in me to take on this awesome task."

"I'm here today to ask you on behalf of the country, I need your help.

President Obama needs your help to help us to do everything we can to strengthen our nation and to carry those ideals out into the world," Kerry said.

A son of a diplomat, Kerry was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama on Dec. 21 as the next U.S. secretary of state. He was sworn in on Friday.

Kerry launched a bid for the White House in 2004 but lost to then incumbent George W. Bush by a margin of 34 electoral votes. Washington (Xinhua)