This morning, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini welcomed the Vice-President of the United States of America Mike Pence as he started his official visit to the European Union.

The meeting follows on from High Representative's contacts with Vice President Pence in the last months, and with the  new US administration - namely Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defence James Mattis - both during her visit to Washington on 9-10 February and last week in Europe.

High Representative Mogherini and Vice-President Pence discussed the importance of a strong partnership between the European Union and the United States, which is essential for both sides of the Atlantic. In an open and warm conversation, HRVP Mogherini reaffirmed a strong willingness of the EU to continue building a strong EU-US partnership on the basis of clear values and interests, and cooperating closely on bilateral as well as international issues.

On the latter, they had an in depth exchange on the common priorities, from Syria to Ukraine, from Libya to the Middle East, from Afghanistan to DPRK. As chairperson of the Joint commission, HRVP Mogherini stressed the need to preserve and fully implement the Iran deal. HRVP Mogherini and VP Pence also shared views on how to deepen and strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, in particular in the context of the anti-Daesh coalition.

HRVP Mogherini will also join the meeting of Vice President Pence with the President of the European Commission Jean Claude Juncker.