Veep Meet and Greet: Poroshenko, Anastasiades, Netanyahu, Ghani and Sharif

 

The Vice President met yesterday with ‎President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. The two leaders agreed on the critical importance of the continued implementation of Minsk by all sides of the Ukraine conflict, as well as the need to continue to move forward on Ukraine's anti-corruption agenda.

Vice President Biden met with President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades today. ‎The two leaders reaffirmed the strategic partnership ‎between Cyprus and the United States. The Vice President commended President Anastasiades on the leadership he has shown in working with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in UN-facilitated discussions to achieve a reunified and more prosperous Cyprus. ‎

Today, the Vice President met with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel in Davos, Switzerland. The Vice President reaffirmed the unshakable U.S. commitment to Israel's security, and the two leaders discussed ways to further deepen security cooperation to confront common regional threats. The Vice President and Prime Minister also discussed regional developments, including Syria, the campaign against ISIL, the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to verifiably prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, steps to counter Iran's destabilizing activities, and opportunities for Israel to expand energy partnerships with countries in the eastern Mediterranean to enhance regional prosperity and cooperation.

The Vice President, joined by Secretary Kerry, met today in a trilateral setting in Davos with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.  They discussed recent efforts to relaunch peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.  The Vice President offered condolences for the loss of life from recent terrorist attacks in both countries and commended both leaders for their diplomatic efforts to advance peace. The Vice President reaffirmed U.S. support for reconciliation and improved bilateral ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan and called them important pillars of regional stability.  The Vice President encouraged both leaders to remain committed to a credible peace process reinforced by tangible steps to reduce violence, eliminate militant safe havens, and promote bilateral cooperation.  

Source: The White House, Office of the Vice President