Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday has been sworn in as head of state after winning an historic run-off election to extend his two-decade rule for another five years, reports Aljazeera.
“I, as president, swear upon my honour and integrity before the great Turkish nation and history to safeguard the existence and independence of the state … to abide by the constitution, the rule of law, democracy, the principles and reforms of Ataturk, and the principles of the secular republic,” Erdogan said in a ceremony at the parliament in Ankara, which was broadcast live on television.
Turkey’s longest-serving leader faces considerable diplomatic challenges amid tensions with the West.
Saturday’s inauguration in parliament will be followed by a lavish ceremony at the presidential palace in the capital Ankara attended by dozens of world leaders.
Erdogan won 52.2 per cent of the vote while his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu 47.8 per cent, official results show.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
