Fernando Solana Morales, former Secretary of Public Education, Secretary of Foreign Relations and Secretary of Trade, died Wednesday at 85, after a battling cancer for five years.
He was born in Mexico City in 1931 and studied engineering, philosophy, political science and public administration at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where he also taught and worked as a journalist.
As secretary of foreign relations, he created the Mexican Commission for Cooperation with Central America and the Caribbean, which is now AMEXCID.
He founded the general direction for Mexicans living abroad, and pushed for the Exterior Service Law, which is still in effect. He also created the National School for Professional Technical Education, the National Pedagogy Institute and the National Council for Teaching Education.
Solana Morales was a statesman and a humanist, a promotor of education and a diplomat that sought respect for Mexico all around the world. As a legislator, he was responsible for many public policies, and he leaves a legacy in books, articles and speeches.
His legacy as an internationalist appears in his contribution to the implementation for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); his strengthening of relationships with other Latin American countries and his pursuit of the Iberoamerican Community; his effort for diversification towards Asia and the Pacific, incorporating Mexico in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and towards Europe, creating direct dialogue with the European Union.
Distinguished by his alma mater, recognized by the political, business, academic and social classes, Solana found success as a public servant, an educational visionary and as a consultant for various Mexican organizations through Solana Consulting and Analytics, an intelligent and modern organization.
Fernando Solana Morales is survived by his children Juan Manuel, Eugenia and Iker, His grandchildren Ana Luisa, Armando and Alejandra; his brother Luis Javier Solana and his sister Concepción, as well his extended family and former collaborators that accompanied him in his final months.
