Washington D.C. – Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Bernardo Arévalo, the recently inaugurated president of Guatemala, at the White House on Monday to commend his efforts in combating corruption and to collaborate on initiatives aimed at curbing migration from Central America.
During the meeting, Harris expressed optimism about the potential impact of Arévalo’s leadership in restoring trust in Guatemalan institutions and fostering a sense of hope and opportunity among its people.
Following their discussion, President Joe Biden held a private meeting with President Arévalo to offer congratulations on his inauguration. The White House later confirmed that their talks encompassed topics such as good governance, effective migration management, and the importance of upholding democratic principles.
Vice President Harris also highlighted the progress made in addressing the root causes of migration by attracting $5.2 billion in private sector investments aimed at improving economic opportunities in the region. She acknowledged that while solutions to these complex issues will take time, there has been notable short-term progress.
Migration from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, collectively known as the Northern Triangle, has been a longstanding challenge for successive U.S. administrations. The Biden administration, facing both humanitarian and political pressures, has sought innovative approaches to manage the flow of migrants.
One such initiative discussed during the meeting was the establishment of “safe mobility offices” in Guatemala, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. These offices aim to streamline the U.S. refugee process, allowing migrants to apply for asylum locally and reducing reliance on human smugglers.
While the number of arrests for illegal border crossings increased slightly in February compared to the previous month, it remained relatively low compared to previous years. Among those apprehended, a significant portion hailed from Guatemala.
President Arévalo assumed office in January following his victory in the August elections. His platform, which emphasized challenging the status quo and combating corruption, resonated with Guatemalan voters, marking a departure from traditional politics in the country.
In her remarks, Vice President Harris commended Arévalo for his commitment to democracy and expressed pride in the United States’ support for Guatemala during its democratic transition.
President Arévalo, in turn, expressed gratitude for the partnership between the two countries, characterizing it as a historic moment that reflects shared values and interests.
The meeting between Vice President Harris and President Arévalo underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing the complex challenges of migration and governance in the region.