Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with South African Deputy President Motlanthe

Earlier today, the Vice President met with South African Deputy President Motlanthe at the White House, building upon a conversation begun during the Vice President's June 2010 trip to South Africa.  In a substantive and wide-ranging discussion, the Vice President noted the importance of South Africa’s leadership across Africa and within the international community. Both leaders welcomed continued and increased cooperation through the Strategic Dialogue, established between our two nations last year, to address many pressing issues of mutual importance. The Vice President also lauded our bilateral partnerships in support of South Africa's commitment to increase trade and investment, counter the scourge of HIV and AIDS, improve access to education and promote agricultural development.  The Vice President and Deputy President Motlanthe discussed common efforts to meet aggressive global goals on climate change, nuclear security and nonproliferation, and to promote regional security, including progress toward peaceful outcomes in Libya, Cote D’Ivoire, Sudan and Zimbabwe. The meeting reflected the continuing strength and breadth of the bilateral relationship and both leaders agreed to continue the conversation on key issues of mutual interest.