Mexico replaces foreign relations, head security chief after drug lord escape

Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto, right, shakes hands with Jose Antonio Meade, former secretary of foreign relations and newly appointed secretary of social development, at a press conference to announce cabinet changes, at Los Pinos presidential residence, in Mexico City, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. The president, facing declining popularity, announced major changes to his cabinet, including a new secretary of foreign relations and a new national security commissioner.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (The Associated Press)

Newly appointed Secretary of Foreign Relations Claudia Ruiz Massieu applauds during a press conference by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to announce changes in his cabinet, at the Los Pinos presidential residence, in Mexico City, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. Ruiz was formerly President Pena's secretary of tourism. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (The Associated Press)

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has replaced the country's national security chief, 1 ½ months after top drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman escaped from a maximum security prison.

Pena Nieto did not mention the escape Thursday when he announced that National Security Commission head Monte Alejandro Rubido was leaving the Cabinet. His replacement is Renato Sales, the current head of the anti-kidnapping commission.

Guzman's July 11 escape proved a major embarrassment to the government.

Pena Nieto named current foreign relations secretary Antonio Meade as the head of the social development department.

Current tourism secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu will take over the country's top diplomatic post.

Changes were also made in the education agriculture and environment departments. Former attorney general Jesus Murillo Karam left the cabinet.