Turkey's new President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country will continue with reforms in line with the goal of joining the European Union.
In his first speech since his inauguration on August 28, Erdogan also said Ankara's peace process with the armed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will gain traction.
Erdogan, who was prime minister for 11 years, took his presidential oath of office in Ankara's parliament after winning the country's first-ever popular vote for head of state.
His August 28 inauguration ceremony was attended by leaders from a dozen nations.
Deputies of Turkey's opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), who accuse Erdogan of violating the constitution, walked out of the session just before he was sworn in.
Erdogan has vowed to push for constitutional changes that will transform the presidency from what has been a largely ceremonial post into a more powerful position.
Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa