Quito, May 24 (RHC)-- Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno took the oath of office Wednesday in Quito, as hundreds of invited guests witnessed the event at the National Assembly.  Outgoing President Rafael Correa handed over the reins to the new president, who will continue a decade of social and economic gains known as the Citizens' Revolution. 

Heads of state from Latin American countries as well as other envoys traveled to Ecuador attend the swearing in ceremony.  Cuban First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel headed his country's delegation, joined by Deputy Foreign Minister Ana Teresita and Cuban ambassador to Ecuador, Rafael Dausá. 

The ceremonies began with outgoing President Rafael Correa traveling to the Metropolitan Cathedral located in the heart of Quito to present a wreath of flowers at the mausoleum of South American independence leader Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre.  This tradition occurs annually on May 24th to pay respect to the heroes of the Battle of Pinchincha, which led to the liberation of Quito from Spanish forces in 1822. 

Correa was accompanied by top officials, including Minister of Defense Ricardo Patiño, National Electoral Council President Juan Pablo Pozo, Minister of Security Cesar Navas, among others. 

"A phase has ended ... and a new one begins," said Lenin Moreno in his first address after being sworn in as president, noting that the country has seen 10 years of reclaiming sovereignty and pride as a nation.  "No one doubts we have created a different Ecuador and that there is still much to do." 

"I am the president for all," he continued. "I will work so that no one, absolutely no one, is left behind ...  The future is now." 
Moreno's vice president, Jorge Glas, who also served as vice president under Correa, was also inaugurated, minutes after the president.