Vice President Joe Biden is in the midst of a tour of the Balkans as part of an initiative to demonstrate “intensified U.S. engagement” in the region. Yesterday he was in Bosnia-Herzegovina, today he is in Serbia and tomorrow he’ll be visiting Kosovo.

Speaking to Bosnia-Herzegovina’s parliament May 19, Biden told the legislators that the United States has been worried about the direction of the country. “For three years we have seen a sharp and dangerous rise in nationalist rhetoric designed to play on people’s fears to stir up anger and resentment,” he said.

“You must focus your talent and energy on issues of undisputed interest to all Bosnians — creating jobs, growing the economy, educating your children,” Biden said.

In Serbia, Biden met with the country’s president, Boris Tadic. “The region cannot fully succeed without Serbia playing the constructive and leading role,” Biden said. Biden’s visit was the highest level visit by a U.S. official to Serbia in more than 30 years.