Consulado General de México en Toronto

Jose Antonio Meade takes over from Ambassador Patricia Espinosa as head of The Foreign Ministry of Mexico

Jose Antonio Meade Kuribreña began his tenure as Secretary of Foreign Affairs yesterday, taking over at the head of the Foreign Ministry from Ambassador Emeritus Patricia Espinosa Cantellano. The ceremony took place in the Foreign Ministry on December 03, 2012.

Foreign Secretary Meade thanked President Enrique Peña Nieto for "the great privilege he has given me of heading a ministry that is characterized by its professionalism and dedication to service."

Speaking to ministry officials, he invited them to find ways the Foreign Ministry carry out specific actions in the five areas set forth by the president. "We must work to achieve a peaceful, inclusive, prosperous Mexico with quality education for all while acting in a globally responsible manner,” he said.

The Secretary said that he joins “a Ministry that has given Mexico a voice that is respected and heard in the multilateral institutions and organizations” and he urged the members of the Mexican Foreign Service (SEM) to continue their efforts to ensure Mexico a privileged position in the international arena.

"The country’s political and economic stability and its expected growth and development make Mexico an authoritative voice that is heard in the international arena. Today, Mexico has no conflict with any country; it is an actor that is recognized and respected by all, thanks to its serious and professional diplomacy. Mexico will respect the principles of our Constitution in the conduct of its foreign policy.”

Jose Antonio Meade Kuribreña was born in Mexico City. He holds a BA in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) and Law from the Universidad Autónoma de México (UNAM), and a Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University.

His experience in the federal government includes positions as the CEO of the National Bank for Rural Credit (BANRURAL); Head of Financiera Rural; Secretary of Energy and Secretary of Finance and Public Credit.