CRI听力:Erdogan Swears in as Turkish President

Turkish former Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is now being sworn in as the country's president.

Erdogan was elected as the 12th president with 52 percent of the vote in the country's first direct presidential elections earlier this month.

Earlier, in a final speech to supporters of his AK Party, Erdogan said the party's mission to elevate the country as a major regional power will go on unchanged after he leaves party politics.

The ruling AK Party has elected outgoing Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu as the prime minister to replace Erdogan.

Davutoglu was the only candidate on the ballot.

He has announced his intention for Turkey to continue efforts to pursue EU membership.

"Turkey's foreign policy has become multi-dimensional and it will continue to be multi-dimensional. This is a must in our geography. Those who want to trap Turkey between Asia and Europe are ignorant of Turkey's geography. Turkey's EU membership target is a strategic one and will be pursued decisively."

Davutoglu is expected to form a new government later today and the cabinet will be announced on Friday.

The AK party must win a stronger majority in parliament in a general election due by next June if Erdogan is to establish an executive presidency.