Rex Tillerson (L) is sworn in by US Vice President Mike Pence (R) as his wife Renda St. Clair holds a Bible, accompanied by US President Donald Trump during a ceremony at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington,DC, the US. /Reuters Photo

On Wednesday, Tillerson won majority support in the full Senate vote of 56-43, with Republicans backing the nominee and most Democrats opposing him. /Reuters Photo

The 64-year-old, Texas-born head of Exxon Mobil, worked for the company in the US, Yemen and Russia, and is known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. /Reuters Photo

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with new Secretary of State after his swearing in ceremony at the Oval Office of the White House. Trump has also congratulated Tillerson in a tweet, saying that he is very excited for him, his family and the country. /Reuters Photo

As Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson will handle relations with countries including China and Russia and negotiate matters such as climate change and human rights, on behalf of President Trump. /Reuters Photo