Kamala Harris faces her first major diplomatic test in Guatemala

Kamala Harris' strategy in Central America 2:22

(CNN) -

As US Vice President Kamala Harris seeks to address the root causes of migration in a full day of meetings in Guatemala, she also faces the first major diplomatic test of her vice presidency.

Harris has been eager to polish her foreign policy credentials after taking office with little experience in the field.

Harris and his team see this first overseas trip as an opportunity to advance that effort after weeks spent laying the foundation for this trip.

Harris' national security adviser, Ambassador Nancy McEldowny told CNN that Harris chose Guatemala as the destination for her first overseas trip as a sign that the region is a priority for her.

"It shows the priority you place on the strategy you are building on cooperation between our two countries," McEldowney said.

"We value this place and want to be useful."

A senior official also said that Harris had established a "real relationship" with Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei, which he hopes to build with clear policy outcomes in Guatemala.

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• Why does Kamala Harris travel to Mexico and Guatemala

Kamala Harris' strategy in Central America 2:22

Kamala Harris' visit to Guatemala

Beyond the confluence of immigration factors that Harris intends to address, Harris will need to engage in skillful diplomacy as he seeks to tackle the problem of corruption in Guatemala and the Northern Triangle in general.

Harris's arrival follows a series of efforts by the Guatemalan government to weaken anti-corruption efforts in the country.

When asked why Harris would visit Guatemala amid those efforts, which have included the arrest of several anti-corruption figures, senior officials argued that dialogue is the most productive way forward.

“The best way to deal with these cases, where they have a very complex relationship… is to speak up front and clearly as partners, right?

As countries we have to get along, ”said Ricardo Zúñiga, United States special envoy for the Northern Triangle.

"We talk about easy things, but above all we talk about difficult things."

Amid those disagreements and the persistence of corruption in Guatemala, vice presidential officials are emphasizing the dual nature of Harris's visit: meeting not only with the Guatemalan president, but also sitting separately with civil society leaders and businessmen.

- From Jeremy Diamond and Nikki Carvajal from CNN in Guatemala City.

Kamala Harris Migration