Xiomara Castro Sworn In As Honduras' First Female President, Kamala Harris Promises US Support

JAKARTA - Xiomara Castro de Zelaya was sworn in as Honduras' first female president on Thursday to a cheering crowd including United States Vice President Kamala Harris, who pledged the US government's support to stem migration and fight corruption.

Castro's inauguration ended eight years in power of Juan Orlando Hernandez, a Washington ally who was accused in a US corruption court of having links to drug dealers. It comes as his government faces a test of a sharply divided Congress, rising debt and relations with China.

Castro, flanked by her husband, former President Manuel Zelaya, was sworn in at a football stadium, where supporters applauded for her vow to repair the country's huge debt burden.

"The economic catastrophe I have inherited is unparalleled in the history of our country," a somber Castro said in his inaugural address.

Meanwhile, Vice President Harris, who received a standing ovation when introduced at the inauguration, congratulated President Castro on his 'democratic election'.

In a meeting shortly after the ceremony, Vice President Harris pledged to collaborate on issues of migration, economic development and fighting impunity, saying he welcomed President Castro's plan to seek UN assistance to set up an anti-corruption commission.

Vice President Harris had been tasked with tackling the "root causes" of migration in the impoverished Northern Triangle countries of Central America, but his journey came as US President Joe Biden's popularity at home had waned and his immigration strategy stalled.

"We are eager and intend to do what we can to support this new president," said a government official.

While President Castro tweeted, he appreciated Vice President Harris' visit and the willingness of President Biden's Government to support the Honduran government.

On the occasion, Vice President Harris also pledged to send several hundred thousand more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Honduras along with 500,000 syringes and US$1.3 million for health and education facilities.

US officials are known to want to work with President Castro to curb illegal immigration from Central America, shoring up international support for Taiwan as part of its efforts to stem Chinese influence.

Honduras is one of the few countries to maintain diplomatic ties with Taipei instead of Beijing, with Castro during his campaign stepping back from commentary, he may switch allegiance to China as president.

Taiwanese Vice President William Lai attended the inauguration in a bid to improve relations with the Castro government. Vice President Harris said the two spoke about their shared interests in Central America.