He was greeted in Baghdad by U.S. Ambassador Jim Jeffrey, outgoing U.S. commander Gen. Ray Odierno and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

While in the country, Biden will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, President Jalal Talabani, Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi and other political leaders "to discuss the latest developments in Iraq and to urge Iraqi leaders to conclude negotiations on the formation of a new government," the White House said in a written statement.

The vice president downplayed concerns over the inability of Iraqi officials to form a new ruling coalition in the wake of last March's closely contested national elections.

"We are going to be just fine," he told reporters.

While in Iraq, Biden will also help mark the transfer of U.S. military command from Odierno to Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd Austin, which will take place on September 1.

The United States' official combat mission in Iraq is scheduled to conclude on August 31. Roughly 50,000 troops, however, will remain in the country until the end of 2011. Their mission will be to train, assist and advise the Iraqis.