Politics

Photo: Biden in Ukraine, Dipping Bread into Salt

By Prerana Swami

July 20, 2009 / 5:38 PM EDT / CBS News

(White House)

Vice President Joe Biden made an appearance in Kiev, Ukraine Monday to assure Ukranians that the United States has not abandoned the ex-Soviet republic in its push for a stronger relationship with Russia, Reuters reports.

In a photo released by the White House, the vice president is seen taking part in a welcoming ceremony, where he dipped bread into salt.

Biden's stop in Kiev marks the beginning of a three-day tour of the region. He will talk with Ukrainian President Yushchenko Tuesday and will fly to Georgia Wednesday to deliver an address to the Georgian Parliament.