News from Washington

Vice President Biden's Trip to Southeastern Europe

Remarks by the Vice President to the Assembly of Kosovo, May 21, 2009

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much for the privilege and the opportunity to address the Kosovo Assembly in such a beautiful, beautiful setting.  I congratulate you on your work thus far and I thank you for your very, very generous welcome.

It's a privilege to return to your country.  And although I am a few months late, let me say happy birthday on your one year anniversary. (more)

Remarks by Vice President Biden in Belgrade, Serbia, May 20, 2009

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Mr. President -- President Tadic, thank you very much for your warm welcome and your comments.  And thank you for your strong, and I would add, forward-looking leadership in a time of significant challenge -- but also, as we spoke about, a time of real opportunity, genuine opportunity.

I came to Serbia on behalf of the Obama-Biden administration with a clear, distinct message, Mr. President:  The United States wants to, would like to, deepen our cooperation with Serbia to help solve the problems of the region, to help Serbia become a strong, successful democratic member of the Euro-Atlantic community.  That's our objective. (more)

Biden Urges Bosnia to Put Aside Ethnic, Party Differences, May 19, 2009

Washington — The United States will help Bosnia and Herzegovina and the other Balkan nations to join the European Union as the “only real path to a secure and prosperous future,” Vice President Biden says.

In a speech May 19 in Sarajevo to the Bosnian parliament, Biden urged politicians to set aside differences and work across ethnic and party lines. (more)

Vice President Joe Biden Address to the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, May 19, 2009

Thank you, Speaker Belkic. I see familiar faces from my many visits here as a Senator.

It is an honor and a privilege to return as Vice President of the United States.

President Obama and I recently completed our first one hundred days in the White House.

We are pursuing a far-reaching domestic and foreign policy agenda, listening to our friends and allies, rebuilding relationships and re-establishing American leadership in the world. (more) 

Vice President Biden Begins Visit to the Balkans May 19, May 18, 2009

Washington — Vice President Biden is traveling to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo beginning May 19 in large measure to demonstrate intensified U.S. engagement in the Balkans, a senior administration official says.

“The vice president, by his presence there, is going to demonstrate ... the administration’s commitment to very strong United States support for moving all three countries toward a future in the Euro-Atlantic community,” the official said. (more)

Vice President Biden Departs for Southeastern Europe, May 18, 2009

Washington, DC – Vice President Biden departed today for Southeastern Europe, traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo.  During the visit, the Vice President will meet with the political leadership in all three countries, as well as U.S. officials and military personnel stationed in the region.

An overview schedule of the trip is below, and coverage highlights include:  a speech at the Parliament of Bosnia on Tuesday at 11 AM EDT; a meeting and joint statement to the press with Serbian President Boris Tadic on Wednesday at 6:00 AM EDT; an Address to the Assembly of Kosovo on Thursday at 7:00 AM EDT; and a speech to U.S. troops and NATO forces stationed at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo on Thursday at 12:00 PM EDT. AP Television is traveling with the Vice President throughout the trip.  Times and scheduling are subject to change. (more)

Press Briefing by a Senior Administration Official on the Vice President's Upcoming Trip to Southeastern Europe, May 15, 2009

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL:  Good afternoon.  Thanks to everyone for joining the call.  It's a good opportunity to run you briefly through the Vice President's trip to the Balkans next week and maybe highlight some of the high points of the schedule and also talk a little bit about what we hope to accomplish, and then take some questions.

There are three pieces to the trip.  The first piece will be in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday.  And he has a packed schedule there that starts with a meeting with the Bosnian tri-presidency that moves to a joint meeting with the governing coalition.  He's looking forward to having some time also with President Dodik, and also with Haris Silajdzic, who he's known for a long time.  There will be an address to the Parliament in Bosnia, and then an opportunity for the Vice President to spend some time with our embassy and its staff. (more)