Evo Morales began work as president of Bolivia on Monday by signing a series of accords with Hugo Chávez, the Venezuelan leader, and appointing a cabinet of radical activists.

At a ceremony in the presidential palace, Mr Morales, wearing his trademark striped sweater, and Mr Chávez hailed the co-operation agreements – on hydrocarbons, agriculture, education, health and mutual political support – as central to strengthening ties between the Andean countries.