The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Iraqi Prime Minister of Nouri al-Maliki

Vice President Biden spoke this morning with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.  The Vice President congratulated the Iraqi people on their participation in the parliamentary elections, and emphasized the importance of a new parliament acting to pull the country together given the many challenges confronting Iraq.  The two leaders spoke about the security situation in Anbar province.  The Vice President stressed the importance of pursuing a holistic approach that includes political outreach as well as security measures consistent with the goal of gaining local support and cooperation.   He welcomed initiatives that are now underway to mobilize the population against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and strongly urged the Government of Iraq to ensure that their difficult fight against terrorism is conducted in a manner that protects the civilian population and adheres to the rule of law.  The Vice President and the Prime Minister reaffirmed the long-term partnership between Iraq and the United States pursuant to the Strategic Framework Agreement, including their commitment to coordination in the fight against ISIL, which represents a threat to the entire region.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting With Chinese People’s Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui

Today the Vice President met with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Chief of General Staff Fang Fenghui at the White House.  The Vice President and General Fang affirmed the importance of and the need to maintain momentum in the development of U.S.-China military-to-military relations.  The Vice President underscored the United States’ serious concern about China’s unilateral actions in waters disputed with Vietnam.  The Vice President reaffirmed that while the United States does not take a position on the competing territorial claims, no nation should take provocative steps to advance claims over disputed areas in a manner that undermines peace and stability in the region.  The Vice President and General Fang also discussed the importance of the U.S.-China relationship in the context of addressing a range of regional and global challenges. 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 14, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Meeting with Croatian President Ivo Josipović

Vice President Biden met today with Croatian President Ivo Josipović.  Vice President Biden praised Croatia for its reforms over the past ten years that led to Croatia joining the European Union in 2013.  The Vice President highlighted Croatia’s contributions as a valued NATO ally, honoring the sacrifices made by Croatians as they serve alongside American troops in the NATO-led missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo.  The Vice President also thanked President Josipović for his strong support of European efforts to enhance energy security and diversification.  The Vice President discussed the on-going situation in Ukraine, including the need to impose additional costs on Russia should it disrupt or delegitimize the May 25th presidential election.  The two leaders also agreed on the need to continue to support the Ukrainian government’s preparations for the election, as well as its efforts to advance constitutional reform and national unity.  Vice President Biden commended Croatia as an example to its Balkan neighbors of successful integration into European and transatlantic structures, and he reiterated the strong U.S. support for the Euro-Atlantic and European aspirations of countries in the region.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 12, 2014

Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden to Travel to Romania and Cyprus

WASHINGTON, DC – The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden will travel to Romania and Cyprus from May 20-23, 2014.  The Vice President will discuss with the leadership of both countries the international community’s response to Russia’s illegal military intervention and destabilizing actions in Ukraine.  The Vice President will also address the need to deepen economic ties, including through the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP); to recommit to strengthening democratic institutions across the region; and to undertake a sustained and collective effort to bolster Europe’s energy security. 

In Bucharest, the Vice President will meet with Romanian President Băsescu and Prime Minister Ponta.  He will also deliver remarks to Romanian civil society and youth leaders, and will meet with American and Romanian troops conducting a joint capacity-building exercise. The Vice President will underscore the United States’ ironclad commitment to the collective defense of NATO under Article 5, and express appreciation for Romania’s contributions to regional and global security.  

At the invitation of President Anastasiades, the Vice President will visit Cyprus, where he will meet with political leaders from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, civil society representatives, and faith leaders.  The Vice President will emphasize the United States’ strong support for a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.  The Vice President will urge all parties on the island to intensify their work on behalf of peace and security in the region, and stress the important role that all citizens can play in promoting mutual understanding between the two communities.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 08, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

Today, the Vice President called Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to discuss his upcoming visit to Brazil to attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Vice President informed President Rousseff of his plans to attend the June 16th match in Natal between the United States and Ghana, and the two agreed that the Vice President would continue on to Brasilia on June 17 to meet with President Rousseff and Vice President Michel Temer. The Vice President reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship and underscored our commitment to advancing the U.S.-Brazil cooperation in a broad range of areas. The Vice President and President Rousseff also discussed regional developments and the importance of working together with other countries in the Americas to address current political, economic, and social challenges.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 06, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Panamanian President-elect Juan Carlos Varela

Today, Vice President Biden called President-elect of Panama Juan Carlos Varela to congratulate him on his victory.  The Vice President reaffirmed the historic ties between the United States and Panama, and reiterated our commitment to work as partners in advancing shared goals, including promoting economic prosperity, security, and greater regional integration in Central America.  The Vice President congratulated the Panamanian people for demonstrating their commitment to democratic values through a free, fair, and transparent election process.  The Vice President also underscored the importance of developing a robust agenda for the upcoming 2015 Summit of the Americas to be held in Panama.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
May 01, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba of Japan

Today, Vice President Biden met with Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba at the White House.  The two leaders underscored the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance to regional and global security.  They discussed Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and steps that both countries have recently taken to impose costs on Russia.  The Vice President emphasized the need to keep building strong support for the alliance, to include ensuring the successful conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations that provide meaningful economic benefits to the people of both countries.  The Vice President and Secretary General Ishiba also agreed to cooperate on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan in order to reduce the impact of U.S. bases in Okinawa, while enhancing the deterrent value of the Alliance.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma of Latvia

Vice President Biden met today with Latvian Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma in the White House. The Vice President underscored the United States’ ironclad commitment to the collective defense of our NATO Allies under Article 5. Prime Minister Straujuma thanked the United States for its tangible commitments to Latvia’s security, including the augmentation of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission and the deployment of paratroopers from the U.S. Army Europe's 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to conduct exercises in Latvia. The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and agreed on the need for the United States and Europe to remain united in confronting Russia’s destabilizing actions in eastern Ukraine and its illegal occupation of Crimea. The two leaders discussed the critical importance of bolstering Europe’s energy security through coordinated actions among European states. The Vice President and Prime Minister Straujuma also agreed on the pivotal role the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) would play in creating jobs and supporting economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2014

1 is 2 Many Campaign Releases New Public Service Announcement on Sexual Assault

Today, Vice President Biden launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging men to speak up and step in if they see someone in danger of being sexually assaulted.  The PSA is being launched in coordination with the 1 is 2 Many campaign and the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.  Because while anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, some are more at risk than others:  1 in 5 women is sexually assaulted while in college, and young women, ages 16 to 24, experience the highest rates of sexual violence at the hands of someone they know.  The PSA, produced by the White House, features several film and television actors, President Obama, and Vice President Biden.  It encourages men to be part of the solution by delivering a simple message:  “If she doesn’t consent – or can’t consent — it’s a crime . . . and if you see sexual assault happening, help her -- don’t blame her —and speak up.”

The PSA will air in select Regal Entertainment Group and Cinemark movie theaters, over NCM Media Networks’ Lobby Entertainment Network (LEN), and in movie theaters on military installations and ships underway worldwide starting in May.  Joining the President and the Vice President in the PSA are Daniel Craig, Seth Meyers, Benicio Del Toro, Steve Carell and Dulé Hill.

Click here to watch the 60-second PSA.

Click here to watch the 30-second PSA. 

Click here for more information about the Administration’s efforts to combat sexual assault. 

Quotes from participating actors:

Benicio Del Toro
“This PSA is about reaching out to people and letting them know that there is an epidemic of sexual assaults. Those who commit sexual assaults will be condemned, whoever they are. The PSA also encourages any witness to such acts to speak up, do the right thing, and be a hero.  It is about protecting and respecting our loved ones--our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and girlfriends.”

Dulé Hill 
“One sexual assault is one too many. My desire for this PSA is that it will heighten awareness and in turn be a catalyst for more prevention.”

Daniel Craig
“I am honored to be part of such an important and crucial project. The message is clear and simple; everyone has a responsibility. There are no exceptions. There are no excuses.  Please watch it and pass it on.” 

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
April 26, 2014

Readout of the Vice President’s Call with Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary

The Vice President spoke this morning with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.  The Vice President congratulated Hungary on its 15-year anniversary in NATO and noted the United States’ steadfast commitment to the Alliance's collective defense under Article 5.  The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and agreed that Russia would face further costs for supporting the actions of armed separatists in Ukraine, in direct contravention of the April 17 Geneva Joint Statement.  The Vice President and Prime Minister discussed the need to strengthen the energy security of the Euro-Atlantic community with a more coordinated and strategic approach.  The Vice President also reiterated the view that the United States and its partners should be prepared to impose sanctions on individuals and entities operating in certain sectors of the Russian economy if Moscow further intervenes militarily in Ukraine.