Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus Visits Paraguay

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will make his first official visit to Paraguay January 27-29, 2015.

The Objective of the Secretary’s visit is to highlight the commitment of the U.S. in working with Paraguay and the region based on a relationship of mutual trust, respect, and interests.  Both nations share a commitment to peace, security, and stability.

Paraguay and the U.S. have many common values including: armed forces that respect democratically elected leaders, civilian leadership, working to guarantee security, strengthening of democracy, serving the people and promoting the democratic values shared in the hemisphere.

During his brief visit Secretary Mabus will be accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay Leslie A. Bassett and will meet with President Cartes, Minister of Defense Bernardino Soto Estigarribia, and the Commander of the Armed Forces, General Luis Gonzaga Garcete Espinola.  Secretary Mabus will also meet with Naval Force Commander Vice Admiral Antonio Wladimir Vallejos Abadia and visit Paraguayan Naval Headquarters.

During his stay, Secretary Mabus will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Heroes Pantheon and visit units and troops of the armed forces of Paraguay to better become acquainted with their missions and perspectives, and to promote the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Paraguay.