Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus attended the inauguration of the Central African Republic's President-Elect Faustin-Archange Touadera, March 30, as part of the U.S. delegation appointed by President Barack Obama.

The inauguration was held at Bangui's Bathelemy Boganda National Stadium in Bangui.

"I wish to congratulate the people of the Central African Republic for their nation's peaceful transition of power and extend my best wishes to President Touadera and the people of the Central African Republic for a bright and positive future," said Mabus.

Mabus' visit, part of a multinational tour meant to reinforce existing relationships and highlight the importance of maritime domain awareness with African countries, represents a continuation of the Department of the Navy's focus on building partnerships designed to help distribute the burden of securing the global maritime domain based on alliances, shared values and mutual trust.

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