WASHINGTON, Oct. 29-- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday spoke separately with leaders of Ireland and Northern Ireland to express strong U.S. support for talks on Northern Ireland's political stalemate.

Biden talked over phone with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, as well as Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the White House said.

A new round of talks between the parties represented in the Northern Ireland Executive began on Oct. 16 in Belfast. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry named former Senator Gary Hart as his personal representative on Northern Ireland issues to facilitate the talks.

In his talks with the leaders, Biden emphasized that the United States stands ready to assist the parties "in whatever way possible" and that Hart, who is in Belfast, is ready to play a "direct, diplomatic role to facilitate the discussions," according to the White House.

Speaking to leaders of Northern Ireland, Biden underscored the importance of open dialogue and constructive compromise to resolving differences among the parties and securing more effective governance and a brighter future for the people of Northern Ireland.

In his conversation with Kenny, Biden commended the Irish and British governments for helping to organize the talks as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Good Friday Agreement or Belfast Agreement, signed in 1998, was a major political development in Northern Ireland peace process. It largely brought an end to 30 years of unrest in Northern Ireland.