The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Romanian President Traian Basescu

In a telephone call today with Romanian President Traian Basescu, Vice President Biden discussed regional developments and expressed appreciation for Romania’s continued contributions to NATO missions. The United States has a profound interest in Romania’s success as a democratic partner with strong rule of law as we pursue our shared global responsibilities and our strategic partnership.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 13, 2014

Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden to Travel to the Republic of Chile and the Dominican Republic

WASHINGTON, DC – The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden will travel to the Republic of Chile and the Dominican Republic in the second week of March.  In Chile, the Vice President will lead the U.S. delegation to the Inauguration of Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet.  In Santo Domingo, the Vice President will meet with President Danilo Medina to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, as well as regional cooperation.

Additional details about the Vice President and Dr. Biden’s trip will be released at a later date.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 12, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

The Vice President hosted His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan for breakfast at the Naval Observatory.  The Vice President and the King discussed ongoing efforts to bring about a political transition and an end to the conflict in Syria.  They spoke about how best to address the growing threat of violent extremism fueled by the Syrian conflict.  The Vice President and the King agreed on the urgent need for greater humanitarian access inside Syria and continued support for Syrian refugees and host communities.   The Vice President voiced U.S. support for the King’s efforts to achieve political and economic progress.  Both sides expressed appreciation for the enduring strength of the U.S.-Jordan partnership.  The King will meet with President Obama in Rancho Mirage, California, on Friday.  

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 07, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades

In a call today with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, Vice President Biden expressed appreciation for the Republic of Cyprus as a key partner in a vital region.  The Vice President reiterated our commitment to deepening cooperation with Cyprus to advance our mutual interests.  He committed to exploring new opportunities to promote Cyprus’ economic recovery and growth and to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the island and the region.  Finally, Vice President Biden underscored unwavering U.S. support for a just and lasting settlement to achieve the re-unification of Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, looked forward to successful resumption of the U.N.-led talks in the coming days, and encouraged creative thinking on ways to improve prospects for success.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
February 04, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych

In a call today with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Vice President Biden urged President Yanukovych to take advantage of every opportunity, including offers of international support, to reduce tensions and build trust with the people of Ukraine in order to find a political solution to the crisis.  This includes taking immediate steps such as pulling back riot police, releasing detained protesters, and establishing accountability for those responsible for beatings and attacks on journalists and protesters.  Vice President Biden emphasized that the only viable path to peace and stability in Ukraine is through continued dialogue and genuine compromise to form a new government that can earn the confidence of the Ukrainian people.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
January 31, 2014

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

Vice President Biden spoke today with President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani. The Vice President emphasized the importance of the relationship between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and stressed the United States’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with Iraq. The Vice President and President Barzani both confirmed the need for close cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi government to reach agreement on a way forward on the matter of energy exports and revenue sharing. The Vice President and President Barzani are committed to supporting efforts to confront the ongoing challenge of terrorism in Iraq.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
January 28, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych

President Yanukovych of Ukraine called Vice President Biden today to update him on the current crisis in Ukraine.   The Vice President welcomed the progress made today and urged President Yanukovych to sign the parliament’s repeal of several of the January 16 laws without delay.   He strongly encouraged President Yanukovych to continue to work with the opposition to find compromises critical to a peaceful solution.  These include an amnesty law and a new government that can bring political unity, win the confidence of the Ukrainian people, and take Ukraine in the direction of Europe by strengthening democratic institutions and making the reforms necessary to achieve economic prosperity.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
January 27, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with President Yanukovych of Ukraine

Vice President Biden called Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to express U.S. support for on-going negotiations between the government and the opposition to end the current standoff and bring about a peaceful, political solution to the crisis. 
 
He underscored that the U.S. condemns the use of violence by any side, and warned that declaring a State of Emergency or enacting other harsh security measures would further inflame the situation and close the space for a peaceful resolution.   
 
Underscoring that no time should be lost, the Vice President urged President Yanukovych to pull back riot police and work with the opposition on immediate measures to de-escalate tensions between protesters and the government.  He also urged the government to take concrete steps during tomorrow’s parliamentary session to respond to the full and legitimate concerns of the Ukrainian people, including by repealing the anti-democratic laws passed on January 16.  
 
Finally, the Vice President reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for a Ukraine that rejects violence and that respects the human rights and dignity of its citizens in accordance with their European aspirations and their desire to restore their country back to economic health.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
January 26, 2014

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

This afternoon, Vice President Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The Vice President spoke about the United States’ ongoing support for Iraq in its fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq / the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (AQI/ISIL).  The Vice President commended the Government of Iraq’s commitment to integrate tribal forces fighting AQI/ISIL into Iraqi security forces, to provide compensation for those injured and killed protecting Iraqi citizens from AQ/ISIL, and to rebuild communities in Anbar damaged from the fighting.  The Vice President also emphasized, as he has with the leadership of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the importance of concluding a mutually acceptable path forward regarding oil exports from Iraq. Finally, the Vice President extends his congratulations to Iraq and the young players from its national team who won the Under-22 Asia Cup earlier today in Oman.

The White House

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release
January 23, 2014

Readout of Vice President Biden's Call with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych

Vice President Biden called Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych today to urge an immediate de-escalation in the standoff between protesters and security forces in downtown Kyiv.  The Vice President urged President Yanukovych to take steps to end violence and to meaningfully address the legitimate concerns of peaceful protesters, stressing the importance of the ongoing dialogue with the opposition and the need for genuine compromise as the only solution to the crisis.  The Vice President underscored that freedoms of assembly and expression are fundamental pillars of a democratic society and must be protected.  While emphasizing that violence by any side is not acceptable, the Vice President underscored that only the government of Ukraine can ensure a peaceful end to the crisis and further bloodshed would have consequences for Ukraine’s relationship with the United States.  Vice President Biden encouraged President Yanukovych to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.