Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and US Vice President Joe Biden had their scheduled bilateral meeting on Tuesday, which was a spin-off from talks held last year in June.

The Tuesday meeting focused on cooperation in education, health, rural development, job creation, crime reduction and climate change issues, with the political turmoil in various African countries also featuring.

The two also spoke about the aggressive global goals on climate change, nuclear security, importance of joint support for good governance, democracy, respect for human rights and peace and stability, including progress toward peaceful outcomes in Libya, Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan and Zimbabwe

In a substantive and wide-ranging discussion, Biden 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 the two nations last year, aimed at addressing many pressing issues of mutual importance.

The meeting reflected on the continued strength and breadth of the bilateral relationship, with both leaders agreeing to continue the conversation on key issues of common interest.

Motlanthe is scheduled to meet the American Chamber of Business early today before speaking at the esteemed Council on Foreign Relations. He will end his visit in Chicago on Thursday.

– BuaNews