The former diplomat, who lived in Washington, has left a vast intellectual legacy.
El Salvador’s former ambassador to the United States and expert in development projects, René León, passed away on Thursday, friends and family have confirmed.
The former diplomat also served as Deputy Economy Minister during the reign of former President Armando Calderón Sol and was later appointed as El Salvador’s ambassador to the North American country.
Marvin Galeas, writer, partner and friend of the former diplomat, confirmed he had had health complications.
The then Salvadoran ambassador to the US, René León, along with President Bill Clinton. Photo EDH / Archives
In addition, he emphasized León’s intellectual and professional legacy, as well as his belief in working for the country.
“I think the country has lost a unique man, of great intelligence, a patriot who always saw the best for his country, a brave man who always said things in advance, very clear in his mind,” said Galeas.
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He noted that León promoted international investment for the country, had very good relations with Washington, and was also a good friend of former US ambassador to El Salvador, Mari Carmen Aponte.
“At one point he was seen as president (of the Republic) and I think we missed the opportunity to have a luxury president like René León would have been, we would have had a good leader. I have also lost a friend, a partner and a brother, ”said Galeas.
Former Ambassador René León with US President George W. Bush. in the White House. Photo EDH / Archives
Congressman Rodrigo Ávila said the news had been confirmed to him by the former diplomat’s family and added that in the United States he was always a highly respected person.
He noted that León worked as a consultant to international organizations, for reconstruction in Iraq and with aid programs in several Middle Eastern countries, adding that he has lectured on migration issues, geopolitics and international relations.
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“It is a great loss, not only for his friends, for his family, but also for the country. Ambassador León played an important role for El Salvador in foreign trade matters, serving as an exemplary government official while serving as Deputy Minister of Economy. , a The person who promoted a range of projects on behalf of the country, in addition to being an excellent ambassador, with excellent relations in the United States. He was related not only to the State Department, the White House, but also to Congress, a person dear to international organizations, ”said Ávila.
Marvin Galeas, writer, partner and friend of the former diplomat. Photo EDH / Archives
Napoleón Campos, an expert in international relations, also lamented León’s death.
“The great patriot and friend Ambassador René León passed away this afternoon, I will share the news with you. We are devastated by the best of friends, ”he said on social networks.
Former Ambassador León had actively expressed his views on El Salvador’s relations with the United States. He was also a key player in the negotiation and signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the Dominican Republic, Central America and the United States (CAFTA-DR), in 2003, which sought to establish a free trade area between the signatory parties. Nations.