The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Meeting with King Mohammed VI of Morocco

Vice President Joe Biden and His Majesty King Mohammed VI met today and reaffirmed the strategic alliance between the United States and Morocco and our enduring friendship, which dates back more than 236 years. The Vice President thanked King Mohammed VI for hosting the fifth Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Marrakech, and both agreed on the importance of promoting economic opportunity, especially for women and young people. The Vice President and King Mohammed VI discussed how best to support Morocco's success, and reaffirmed their dedication to work together to promote human and economic development, including through vocational training and educational exchange.

The Vice President and King Mohammed VI spoke about the wide range of global, regional, and bilateral issues on which Morocco and the United States are partners, including efforts to advance the shared priority of achieving a secure, stable, and prosperous Maghreb, Africa, and Middle East. In particular, they discussed their countries’ efforts together as part of the international coalition against ISIL. The Vice President and King Mohammed VI agreed on the importance of the non-military aspects of the struggle against violent extremism, including exposing and discrediting violent extremist recruitment and providing a compelling alternative through social and political inclusion and economic opportunity. They agreed on the need for the international community to help Libyans unite behind a peaceful path forward. The Vice President and King Mohammed VI also discussed Morocco’s important role as a gateway for trade and investment in sub-Saharan Africa. Regarding the Western Sahara, the Vice President reaffirmed the text of the November 2013 Joint Statement between the United States and Morocco.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 18, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka

Vice President Joe Biden met today with Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka to discuss bilateral relations, the crisis in Ukraine, and European energy security. The Vice President expressed appreciation for the Czech Republic’s contributions to international security in Afghanistan and Iraq, and discussed the importance of strengthening the NATO Alliance to respond to emerging challenges. In this regard, the Vice President noted the importance of allies reinvesting in defense and better sharing the cost of security. The Vice President underscored the importance of imposing costs on Russia for its continued violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its blatant disregard for the commitments it undertook in the September 5 Minsk agreement, particularly with regard to the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. The two leaders also agreed on the importance of bolstering Europe’s energy security and creating a true market for natural gas in Europe. Finally, on the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution the Vice President conveyed his profound admiration for the late Czech President Vaclav Havel, whose legacy is being commemorated on Capitol Hill this week, and who served as a champion for countless human rights advocates who believe in the “power of the powerless.”

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 15, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Central America Events Today

Vice President Biden delivered remarks today at the Inter-American Development Bank Conference, “Investing in Central America: Unlocking Opportunities for Development.”  The Vice President emphasized the Obama Administration’s ongoing commitment to working with Central American countries to help create the economic, social, governance and citizen security conditions to address factors contributing to increases in migration.  The Vice President outlined U.S. support for the Alliance for Prosperity in Central America launched by the Presidents of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.  The Vice President described the U.S. approach as working to promote an economically-integrated Central America that is secure, democratic, and middle-class. 

In his remarks, the Vice President underscored the Administration’s commitment to seek significant increases in foreign assistance to support the Alliance for Prosperity, and called on the international community and the private sector to support the plan.  The Vice President noted that “urgent challenges demand urgent action backed by political will and political courage.”  He also announced that in December the United States would establish an in-country refugee/parole program in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, to allow certain parents who are lawfully present in the United States to request access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for their children still in one of these three countries.  The Vice President also used his remarks to reiterate President Obama’s commitment to fix our broken immigration system in a way that strengthens our borders, streamlines our immigration system, and attracts the best and brightest from around the world. 

Following his remarks, the Vice President hosted a working lunch at the Blair House for Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, and El Salvadoran President Salvador Sanchez Ceren.  The Vice President and his guests used the lunch to review joint efforts to address the migration of unaccompanied minors and adults with children migrating to the United States, as well as to agree on an approach for sustained high-level engagement and coordination to implement the Alliance for Prosperity in Central America.  The Vice President praised the leadership of the three presidents in targeting smuggling networks and tackling corruption, as well as their long-term commitment to addressing the region’s challenges to development.  The Central American presidents reaffirmed their commitment to working in partnership with the United States and agreed to regular and active engagement to address the underlying factors contributing to increased migration and advance a regional solution that provides greater economic opportunities for Central America, with strong democratic institutions, with more accountable, transparent, and effective public institutions, and where citizens feel safe and can build their lives in peace and stability.  The Vice President was accompanied at the lunch by representatives from the National Security Council Staff, the Department of State, and the United States Agency for International Development.   

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 10, 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 the east, the formation of a new government, and Ukraine’s commitment to reforms. President Poroshenko informed the Vice President about Russia’s blatant escalation of the situation in eastern Ukraine, including increased shelling of Ukrainian government positions and the transfer of additional heavy weapons to the separatists. The Vice President and President Poroshenko agreed it was critical for Russia to begin honoring its commitments under the September 5 Minsk Protocol, which calls, among other things, for Russia to: withdraw its troops, equipment and mercenaries from Ukraine; return control over the Ukrainian side of the international border to the Ukrainian government; allow for the deployment of an OSCE border monitoring mission; and return Ukrainian hostages captured by Russian forces and their proxies. The Vice President noted that if Russia continued to wilfully violate the terms of the Minsk agreement, the costs to Russia will increase. Finally, the Vice President urged the speedy conclusion of a coalition agreement to enable the Ukrainian government to continue the process of passing and then implementing reforms, and delivering on other commitments made to the Ukrainian people in the October 26 parliamentary elections.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 07, 2014

Statement by the Vice President on the Nomination of Tony Blinken as Deputy Secretary of State

I congratulate Tony Blinken on his nomination to serve as Deputy Secretary of State. He is a genuine superstar—admired and respected not only by the President and me, but by his counterparts in capitals in every region of the world. Like Bill Burns, Tony has a style and a manner that is conducive to getting things done. He has been able to establish strong diplomatic relationships because he has absolute integrity. To know Tony is to trust and like him. I have now had the good fortune to work alongside Tony Blinken for many years. He has been tested, and he has shown grace under pressure and uncommonly good judgment. He is a good man. I’m proud of him.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 06, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with President Rousseff of Brazil

The Vice President called President Dilma Rousseff this morning to congratulate her on her re-election. The two reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship and agreed to work together to advance U.S.-Brazil cooperation. The Vice President noted the importance of the growing global partnership between our two countries, as well as the close bonds between the American and Brazilian people. He also told President Rousseff he looked forward to meeting with her again soon to engage on a broad agenda.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
November 01, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to discuss the strategic partnership between the United States and Cyprus as well as regional developments. The Vice President expressed his concerns over renewed tensions in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and reiterated that the United States respects the Republic of Cyprus' sovereignty and right to develop resources in its exclusive economic zone, in keeping with customary international law. He also expressed his hope that tensions will be de-escalated through ongoing diplomatic efforts and pledged to encourage all states in the region to pursue a mutually beneficial approach to developing energy resources. The two leaders agreed on the need to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality and expressed their support for the good offices of UN Special Advisor Espen Barth Eide.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the political talks in Northern Ireland as well as global challenges such as Ebola and the fight against ISIL in Iraq and Syria.  The Vice President commended the United Kingdom for organizing All-Party Talks amongst the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive, and pledged United States support for the process.  In this regard, the Vice President noted that Senator Gary Hart is in Belfast and stands ready to play a role in facilitating the discussions, as the Personal Representative of the Secretary of State.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk to congratulate the people of Ukraine on holding successful, orderly, democratic elections despite continuing disruptions of law and order by Russian proxies in the eastern part of the country and Russia’s refusal to allow voting in Crimea. The two leaders also discussed the latest negotiations over the supply of gas to Ukraine following Russia’s unilateral decision to halt supplies in June, as well as an expanded international financial support program for Ukraine as the new government pursues urgently needed reforms. Finally, the Vice President noted he is looking forward to discussing how the United States can further assist Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv next month.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
October 30, 2014

Statement by the Vice President on the Passing of Tom Menino

Jill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Tommy was our friend for a long, long time, and he was without a doubt one of the finest Mayors this nation has ever seen. His heart was always as big as the city he loved. And he was, to his core, the very definition of Boston Strong. Unyielding. Absolutely committed.

The poet R. G. Ingersoll could have been describing Tommy when he wrote:

“When the will defies fear;
When duty throws the gauntlet down to fate;
When honor scorns compromise with death - - this is heroism!”
 

In the days following the Boston Marathon bombing Tommy was heroic. He was calm in the face of uncertainty, and resolute as the whole world watched.

Even as he should have been in bed, Tommy stood tall, marching through the streets of Boston with a Louisville Slugger for a walking stick. He was determined to protect the people of his city, whether from high profile tragedies like the bombing or the everyday tragedies of gun violence as a leading member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

It was an honor to work with Tommy on the investments that improved Boston’s neighborhoods, schools, housing and infrastructure. The “Menino Way” is evident in every park, every school, and every corner of Boston that emerged safer, cleaner, and stronger than before.

His legacy will live on in the city he loved, and in the example he set for public servants everywhere.

Boston’s first Italian-American Mayor earned what my mother always said was the highest compliment we Irish can give: He was a good man.