Wednesday, April 9, 2014

READOUTS: VP BIDEN'S DISCUSSIONS WITH PRIME MINISTER FICO OF SLOVAKIA AND MONTENEGRO PRIME MINISTER DJUKANOVIC

FROM:  THE WHITE HOUSE 
April 8, 2014

Readout of the Vice President's Call with Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia

In a telephone call this afternoon, Vice President Biden and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico consulted on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and related issues of bilateral and regional concern.  The two leaders expressed concern over Russia’s continued violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and agreed on the need to support the Ukrainian people as they prepare for constitutional reforms and the May 25th presidential election.  The Vice President expressed appreciation for Slovakia’s continued efforts to work with Ukraine to help diversify its energy supplies.  Finally, the Vice President congratulated the Prime Minister on the tenth anniversary of Slovakia’s entry into NATO and affirmed the strong U.S. commitment to enhancing collective defense in Europe.  Expressing appreciation for Slovakia’s contributions to global peace and security, the Vice President reaffirmed that Slovakia remains a valued strategic partner and friend to the United States.

Readout of the Vice President’s Meeting with Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic of Montenegro

Vice President Biden met today with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic at the White House.  Vice President Biden praised Montenegro as a valuable partner to the United States and contributor to peace and security in the region.  The two leaders discussed developments in the Balkans as well as concerns about continued Russian pressure on Ukraine.  The Vice President welcomed the strong progress Montenegro has made in meeting the requirements for NATO membership and expressed steadfast U.S. support for Montenegro’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.  He encouraged the Prime Minister to sustain its efforts in making defense, security, and rule of law reforms in order to show concrete achievements in advance of the 2014 NATO summit in Wales.  In this context, the Vice President stressed the importance of robust efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, including an independent judiciary and a free press, as well as to protect minority rights.

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