“John, thank you for your passion and perseverance and the incredible, incredible energy you’ve shown in representing American interests around the world,” Biden said. “I have been here for — I have to admit — for eight presidents and I have never seen a man or a woman with as much energy and commitment that you have shown John, we thank you for that.”

Biden made his remarks during an event promoting the launch of the “100,000 Strong in the Americas,” but failed to mention former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s diplomatic efforts in his speech.