Congrats Myanmar for successful wearing-in of new president says Prez Obama

President Barack Obama says the inauguration of Myanmar's new president marks a historic milestone in the country's transition to a democratically elected, civilian-led government.

He adds that Htin Kyaw's (tihn chow's) swearing-in is a testament to everyone who worked to ensure a peaceful transfer of power after more than 50 years of military control over Myanmar's government.

The 70-year-old Htin Kyaw is a trusted aide to ruling party leader and democracy advocate Aung Suu Kyi.

Obama says Myanmar, also known as Burma, still faces significant challenges. He says those challenges include achieving broad-based economic development and promoting the rights and freedoms of its people.

But he says the U.S. will remain a "friend and partner" of the new government as it strives toward a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous future.