The former diplomat, who resided in Washington, left a huge intellectual legacy.
El Salvador’s former ambassador to the United States and development project expert René León died on Thursday, friends and family have confirmed.
The former diplomat also served as Deputy Minister of Economy during the administration of former President Armando Calderón Sol and was later appointed Ambassador of El Salvador to the American country.
Marvin Galeas, a writer, partner and friend of the former diplomat, confirmed that he had had health complications.
The then Salvadoran ambassador to the United States, René León, alongside President Bill Clinton. Photo EDH / Archive
In addition, he highlighted León’s intellectual and professional legacy, as well as his conviction to work for the country.
“I think the country has lost a unique man, with great intelligence, a patriot who always saw the best for his country, a brave man who always said things up front, very defined in his thinking.” , said Galeas.
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He commented that León stimulated international investment for the country, had very good relations with Washington, as well as being a good friend of the former US Ambassador to El Salvador, Mari Carmen Aponte.
“At some point he was thought of as president (of the Republic) and I think we missed the opportunity to have a luxury president like René León, we would have had a good leader. I also lost a friend, partner and brother, ”Galeas said.
Former Ambassador René León alongside US President George W. Bush. in the White House. Photo EDH / Archive
Deputy Rodrigo Ávila said the news was confirmed to him by the ex-diplomat’s family and added that he was always a highly respected person in the United States.
He commented that Leon worked as a consultant with international organizations, for reconstruction in Iraq and with assistance programs in various Middle Eastern countries, and added that he spoke 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 for the country, Ambassador León played an important role for El Salvador in foreign trade, he was an exemplary civil servant when he was Deputy Minister of Economy, a person who drove a number of projects of benefit to the country, apart from being an excellent ambassador, with excellent relations in the United States.He was related not only to the Department of State, the White House, but also with the Congress, a person much loved by international organizations, “Ávila said.
Marvin Galeas, writer, partner and friend of the former diplomat. Photo EDH / Archive
Napoleon Camps, an expert on international relations, has also lamented Leon’s death.
“The great patriot and ambassador friend René León has died this afternoon, I share the news with you. We are devastated close friends,” he said on social media.
Former Ambassador Leon had remained active giving his opinion on the Savior’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, a treaty that sought to create a free trade area between the signatory countries.