CAIRO (AFP) - Egypt's first government since the military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Mursi almost two weeks ago was officially sworn in on Tuesday, state television reported.

The ministers individually took their oath before army-appointed interim president Adli Mansour, and in the presence of caretaker Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi.

The 35-member Cabinet includes army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the general behind the popularly backed coup that toppled Mr Mursi on July 3, who was appointed first deputy prime minister and minister of defence.

A former ambassador to Washington, Mr Nabil Fahmy, took the post of foreign minister, while Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, who served as interior minister in Mr Mursi's government, retained his job.

There are three female ministers in the new Cabinet, including Health Minister Maha El-Rabat. One of the women is a Coptic Christian.