ANKARA - Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Wednesday designated Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is also the chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), to form the new government, said a presidential statement. The statement issued by the Presidential Press Office said that Gul received Erdogan at the Presidential Residence in the Turkish capital of Ankara, and designated Erdogan to form the 61st government of Turkey.

On June 14, Erdogan submitted resignation for his 60th government to Gul, and the Council of Ministers would fulfill its duty till the 61st government is formed, a presidential statement said. The Turkish president accepted the resignation of the cabinet presented by Prime Minister Erdogan, said the statement.

The AKP won the parliamentary elections held on June 12, gaining national votes of 49.8 percent with 327 seats in the parliament. (Xinhua)