"I never thought until yesterday that I would take a high political office, but I was ready to serve my country," Jahjaga said after taking the oath of office.

A virtual political unknown, Jahjaga -- who has never been a member of any political party because of her police role -- pledged to work towards securing Kosovo's much coveted membership in the European Union.

"The ideal of all Kosovo is membership in the EU and a permanent friendship with the United States. I believe and I am convinced our dreams will come true," she said in her first speech to the parliament immediately after the vote.

Jahjaga's election ended a period of political turmoil after Kosovo's top court ruled last week that the previous presidential election of Behgjet Pacolli was unconstitutional.

AFP