Vice President Biden met today with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades. The Vice President expressed appreciation for Cyprus as a strong partner in support of international efforts to promote security and stability in the region. The Vice President also affirmed the longstanding U.S. commitment to the re-unification of Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation and looked forward to the opening of a new round of intensive negotiations under UN auspices. The two leaders agreed that a new impetus to talks was needed. The Vice President also welcomed prospects for broadening cooperation among countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. Finally, the Vice President offered his congratulations to President Anastasiades on his birthday today and to the people of Cyprus, who will celebrate more than 50 years of independence on October 1.