Turkey switches to new era of presidency after Erdogan sworn in

ANKARA - Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the oath of office at parliament on Monday, marking the country's switch to a new era with the executive presidential system.

"Turkey is making a fresh start after the country officially switched to a new presidential system of government, " Erdogan said in his inaugural address in the capital Ankara after swearing-in ceremony.

He vowed that Turkey would go further in every area in the new era, including democracy, fundamental rights, economy and large investments.

Erdogan pledged to "reinforce the social state" in the new era and "leave behind the days that people were externalized and alienated for whatever reason" in Turkey.

The president also said he will visit Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Twenty-one presidents together with foreign dignitaries and guests attended the inaugural ceremony.

Erdogan was re-elected in the presidential election on June 24 with 52.5 percent of the vote.