Above: Joe Biden

By the Caribbean Journal staff

United States Vice President Joe Biden spoke by phone today with Haiti President Michel Martelly, according to a statement from the White House.

The talks continued a dialogue on what the White House said was the US’ “long-term support for Haiti’s reconstruction, development, and democratic progress.”

The two sides held a similar phone call in June following Biden’s a few weeks after the Vice President’s met with Martelly in Trinidad at the end of May.

The White House said Martelly “underscored the importance of elections in solidifying Haiti’s democratic foundation.”

The two sides also addressed the country’s long-delayed legislative elections, agreeing that “open dialogue with all relevant Haitian stakeholders” was necessary to hold the vote.

“The Vice President also reaffirmed that the United States remains a committed friend and partner of Haiti and looks forward to deepening our cooperation as Haiti works to build a more prosperous and secure future for its people,” the White House said.