'Century of Türkiye' has begun: President Erdogan

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) – With the “Century of Türkiye” started, the path to the rise of Türkiye is now before us, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

"Türkiye entered a new path after the casting of votes ended and the results were announced. The Century of Türkiye has begun, and the doors of our country's growth have been opened," Erdogan said at his inauguration ceremony at the presidential complex, with the attendance of high-level officials from 81 countries.

Earlier, Erdogan took his renewed oath of office as Türkiye's president.

Türkiye went to the polls on May 28 for a presidential runoff after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote needed for an outright victory in the first round on May 14.

Erdogan won the race with 52.18% of the vote, while opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu got 47.82%, according to official results.

Earlier, Erdogan’s Justice and Development (AK) Party and its allies also won a majority in parliament.

"I hope this lofty mission will be auspicious for my nation, to which I have devoted my life, to all parts of our heartland, and to humanity. I hope we will not disappoint our beloved nation that trusts me, our party, and our alliance," Erdogan said.

The president added that he will not forget the outpouring of support he felt in Türkiye and surrounding regions on May 28.

"We will embrace all 85 million people (in the country), regardless of their political views, origins, or sect," Erdogan pledged.