VP Harris meets with new Honduran president

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris held a bilateral meeting with the new Honduran President Xiomara Castro at the Presidential Palace. This was the Xiomara Castro's first meeting in the role with a foreign official.

Hondurans saw Castro sworn in as their country's first female president Thursday amid a sea of waving flags in the national stadium. The 62-year-old Castro faces high expectations to turn around the deeply troubled country amid uncertainty about whether an unfolding legislative crisis will allow her the support she needs.

High unemployment, persistent violence, corruption as well as troubled health care and educational systems are just some of the pressing challenges awaiting Castro. The United States government, seeing an opportunity to gain an ally in a region with few friends, has strongly backed Castro and stands ready to provide support.