Diplomacy Begins Locally: Strengthening International Partnerships Across the North West

A New Chapter for Regional Diplomacy

On 7 July 2026, I had the honour of attending the inauguration of Mrs Cerasela Răducănescu as Honorary Consul of Romania in Liverpool.

I warmly congratulate Cerasela on this well-deserved appointment.

Having known her for many years, I have witnessed her dedication to education, community engagement and strengthening ties between Romania and the United Kingdom. Her commitment makes her exceptionally well placed to represent Romania across Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire.

The ceremony represented much more than the appointment of another honorary consul.

It reflected the growing importance of the North West of England as a centre for diplomacy, international cooperation and regional engagement.

As Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Manchester, responsible for the North West of England, I was proud to join colleagues from across the diplomatic community in celebrating this important milestone.

Distinguished Representation

The inauguration brought together an impressive gathering of diplomatic and civic leaders.

Among those present were:

• Her Excellency Laura Popescu, Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom

• Nicoleta Teodorovici, Consul General of Romania in Manchester and President of the Manchester Consular Association

• Kai Hughes, President of the Liverpool Consular Corps

• Lord Lieutenant Peter Oliver OBE

• Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor William Shortall

• Representatives of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, including Michaela Throup and Rob March MBA

Their presence demonstrated the value placed upon international cooperation at both local and national levels.

It also highlighted the increasingly important role honorary consuls play in connecting governments, institutions, businesses and communities.

Why Honorary Consuls Matter

Many people associate diplomacy solely with embassies and career diplomats.

Honorary consuls perform a different, yet equally valuable, role.

They create connections.

They facilitate dialogue.

They open doors.

They strengthen trust.

Working alongside embassies and consulates, honorary consuls help promote their country’s interests while building long-term relationships with local authorities, chambers of commerce, universities, cultural organisations and business communities.

Although honorary consulates do not provide the full range of consular services delivered by career consulates, they make a significant contribution by supporting economic, educational, cultural and institutional cooperation.

In today’s interconnected world, diplomacy increasingly begins at the regional level.

Strengthening the North West’s Diplomatic Community

The North West continues to develop one of the most active diplomatic networks outside London.

Liverpool and Manchester have long served as international gateways through trade, education and maritime connections.

Today, they are also becoming centres of international diplomacy.

The appointment of another honorary consul strengthens this regional ecosystem.

Each new diplomatic appointment creates opportunities for greater collaboration between consular missions, local government, universities, professional services firms and the private sector.

As these relationships deepen, the entire region benefits.

What This Means for International Trade

Diplomatic relationships create the confidence upon which international business grows.

Trade follows trust.

Investment follows relationships.

Innovation follows collaboration.

The Republic of Moldova and Romania both have much to gain from stronger regional engagement with the United Kingdom.

Businesses increasingly seek trusted partners who understand local markets while maintaining international connections.

Honorary consuls help facilitate these relationships by encouraging dialogue between business communities and supporting initiatives that create long-term commercial value.

For companies considering opportunities in Eastern Europe, stronger diplomatic engagement provides an additional layer of confidence.

Opportunities for Moldova and Romania

The close relationship between the Republic of Moldova and Romania provides an excellent foundation for future cooperation.

Our countries share strong historical, cultural and linguistic ties.

They also share a common interest in strengthening economic partnerships throughout Europe.

Regional diplomatic cooperation creates opportunities to:

• encourage bilateral trade

• attract foreign direct investment

• promote innovation and entrepreneurship

• strengthen academic partnerships

• develop cultural exchanges

• support professional collaboration

Each successful initiative contributes to stronger relationships between all three countries: the Republic of Moldova, Romania and the United Kingdom.

Greater Representation Within the Diplomatic Community

As Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Manchester, I have already experienced the tremendous value of working closely with colleagues across the diplomatic community.

The Manchester Consular Association and the Liverpool Consular Corps demonstrate how cooperation between consular representatives benefits the wider region.

Every honorary consul brings unique experience, local knowledge and professional expertise.

Together, we create stronger international networks.

Those networks ultimately benefit businesses, universities, investors, local authorities and communities alike.

Looking Ahead

Diplomacy is strongest when it begins locally and creates opportunities globally.

The inauguration of Cerasela Răducănescu marks another positive step in strengthening the international profile of the North West.

It also reinforces the close partnership between the Republic of Moldova, Romania and the United Kingdom.

I look forward to working alongside Cerasela, Ambassador Laura Popescu, Consul General Nicoleta Teodorovici and colleagues across the diplomatic community as we continue building bridges between our countries.

Together, we can promote dialogue.

Together, we can strengthen cooperation.

Most importantly, together we can create lasting partnerships that benefit our businesses, our institutions and our communities.

Stay Connected

If you would like to follow my work as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Manchester and receive regular updates on UK–Moldova relations, economic diplomacy, international trade, investment opportunities, cultural diplomacy and community engagement, I would be delighted to stay connected.

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Together, we can continue strengthening the partnerships that connect the Republic of Moldova, Romania and the United Kingdom.

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Together, we can strengthen dialogue, create new partnerships and generate greater opportunities for businesses and communities alike.

If diplomacy begins locally, could stronger regional partnerships become the foundation for the next generation of international trade, investment and cooperation? Let me know your thoughts in comments below. Thank you!