The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 08, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Iraqi President Fuad Masum

Vice President Biden called Iraqi President Fuad Masum this afternoon to discuss United States military operations in northern Iraq and the ongoing government formation process in Baghdad. Vice President Biden reiterated President Obama’s commitment to assist and protect innocent Iraqi civilians trapped on Mount Sinjar and bolster Iraq’s ability to take the fight to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Vice President emphasized the threat ISIL presented to all Iraqis and affirmed the U.S. commitment to support Iraq and all of its citizens – from north to south – as they work to defend the country against this international threat. President Masum updated the Vice President on Iraq’s government formation process. Vice President Biden emphasized the importance of a forming a new government on the constitutional timeline, including a national program that can help consolidate national forces against ISIL. President Masum thanked Vice President Biden for the continued support of the United States government.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 07, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani

This afternoon, Vice President Biden called Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani to discuss the security situation in northern Iraq and the threat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses to innocent civilians.  The Vice President offered his condolences for Kurdish losses suffered during ISIL’s advance.  President Barzani updated the Vice President on the conditions facing Yezidi refugees stranded on Mount Sinjar and the disposition of Kurdish forces protecting Erbil. Vice President Biden relayed President Obama’s offer of humanitarian assistance for the Yezidis and reaffirmed his commitment to take whatever actions necessary to protect Americans in Erbil, including targeted airstrikes. President Barzani thanked Vice President Biden for America’s support.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 06, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko about the situation in eastern Ukraine. President Poroshenko informed the Vice President about Russia’s direct involvement in the conflict as a result of incidents of ordnance fired at Ukrainian military forces from the Russian side of the border.  The two leaders expressed concern with Russian statements suggesting a role for Russian “peacekeepers” in Ukraine, with Russia’s ongoing military buildup on Ukraine’s border, and with Russia’s continuing transfer of weapons to Russian proxies in Ukraine. President Poroshenko reaffirmed his commitment to avoiding civilian casualties and minimizing collateral damage while trying to restore law and order in eastern Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed the possibilities for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 05, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with President Moncef Marzouki of Tunisia

This afternoon, Vice President Biden met with President Moncef Marzouki of Tunisia. The Vice President thanked the President for Tunisia’s assistance in relocating U.S. personnel from Libya and offered his condolences for Tunisian soldiers who died fighting terrorists on July 16th. The Vice President underscored the United States’ commitment to deepening security cooperation with Tunisia and supporting Tunisia as it conducts parliamentary and presidential elections in the coming months. Vice President Biden and President Marzouki agreed on the importance of a successful democratic transition in Tunisia, which would set an important precedent for the entire region.

President Obama Speaks at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum

Garrett Brinker
August 05, 2014
07:55 PM EST
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum during the U.S. Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

This afternoon, President Obama spoke to a crowd that included 50 African leaders, at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum in Washington, D.C. The Business Forum is part of the historic three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which is the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, and builds on the President's trip to Africa in 2013. 

The summit is an opportunity for the President to illustrate his approach to Africa. As he said at today's Business Forum, even as Africa continues to face many challenges — disease, poverty, violence, and hunger — there are many signs that a new Africa is emerging:

Some of the fastest-growing economies in the world.  A growing middle class.  Expanding sectors like manufacturing and retail.  One of the fastest-growing telecommunications markets in the world.  More governments are reforming, attracting a record level of foreign investment.  It is the youngest and fastest-growing continent, with young people that are full of dreams and ambition.

As Africa experiences continued growth, the President made it clear that America will be a partner in its success — "a good partner, an equal partner, and a partner for the long term."

Related Topics: Trade and Exports, Economy, Sub Saharan Africa , Foreign Policy

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 05, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

Vice President Biden welcomed President Goodluck Jonathan of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the White House today on the margins of the historic U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Vice President Biden and President Jonathan agreed that Nigeria and the United States would work together to urgently contain the outbreak of the Ebola virus. The Vice President welcomed the Government of Nigeria’s work to improve its business climate, which continues to attract U.S. investors. The President and Vice President agreed on the importance of deepening trade and investment, and the critical role that access to electricity—including through the advancement of Power Africa—plays in supporting that goal. Lastly, the President and Vice President discussed Nigeria’s efforts to counter Boko Haram. The Vice President reiterated U.S. partnership in defeating the terrorist threat and the need to pursue holistic approaches that respect and protect human rights. The Vice President also underscored the importance of supporting Nigeria’s effort to improve the socioeconomic and security conditions in northern Nigeria.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
August 05, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Meeting with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa

Vice President Biden met with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa today, on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The Vice President and the President spoke about the significance of the Summit and the importance of U.S. engagement with African countries. In support of economic growth, the two spoke about the need to increase U.S. trade and investment opportunities in South Africa, and about the Administration’s commitment to work with Congress on the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The two also discussed African peacekeeping capabilities, including support for an African rapid response mechanism, to help address peace and security needs on the continent. Additionally, the two exchanged views on the Gaza crisis and Syria.

The Vice President Delivers Remarks to the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Business Forum

August 05, 2014 | 20:23 | Public Domain

Vice President Joe Biden addressed the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Business Forum.

Download mp4 (751MB) | mp3 (20MB)

Vice President Biden Addresses the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

August 04, 2014 | 19:40 | Public Domain

Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Civil Society Forum in Washington, D.C.

Download mp4 (725MB) | mp3 (19MB)

Remembering James Brady: "A Legend at the White House"

David Hudson
David Hudson
August 04, 2014
05:35 PM EST
President Barack Obama Meets Former Press Secretary James Brady

President Barack Obama stops by Press Secretary Jay Carney’s meeting with James Brady in Carney's West Wing office at the White House, March 30, 2011. Brady was former President Ronald Reagan's press secretary during the assassination attempt on President Reagan thirty years ago. Brady's wife Sarah, right, and son Scott, center, joined him for the meeting. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Earlier today, former White House Press Secretary James Brady passed away in Alexandria, Virginia at the age of 73.

After being shot and almost killed in an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981, Brady recovered and became a symbol of the ongoing fight against gun violence. In a statement this afternoon, President Obama expressed his condolences to Brady's family, calling him a "legend at the White House."

Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the family of former White House Press Secretary James Brady on his passing.  Jim is a legend at the White House for his warmth and professionalism as press secretary for President Reagan; for the strength he brought to bear in recovering from the shooting that nearly killed him 33 years ago; and for turning the events of that terrible afternoon into a remarkable legacy of service through the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.  Since 1993, the law that bears Jim’s name has kept guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.  An untold number of people are alive today who otherwise wouldn’t be, thanks to Jim.

Every day, reporters and White House staffers walk past a plaque marking the day in 2000 that the White House Briefing Room was renamed the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.  It reads, “May his courage and dedication continue to inspire all who work in this room and beyond.”  Those words will endure, as will his legacy.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s wife Sarah, who has been Jim’s steadfast partner in advocacy, and their children Scott and Melissa. 

Related Topics: Delaware, Virginia