Moldova Opens Its First Honorary Consulate in the United Kingdom

A Historic Milestone for UK–Moldova Relations

On 26 May 2026, a significant new chapter began in the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the United Kingdom with the official inauguration of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Moldova in Manchester.

This is the first Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Moldova established in the United Kingdom.

The inauguration represents far more than the opening of a diplomatic office. It reflects the growing strength of UK–Moldova relations, recognises the contribution of the Moldovan diaspora, and demonstrates Moldova’s increasing visibility on the international stage.

For the North West of England, and Greater Manchester in particular, this development creates a stronger bridge between communities, institutions, businesses, universities, and public authorities.

For Moldova, it marks another important step in deepening bilateral cooperation with one of its most important international partners.

A Distinguished Gathering

The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from local, regional, national, diplomatic, academic, and business communities.

Among the distinguished guests were:

• His Excellency Ruslan Bolbocean, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United Kingdom

• Mrs Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, representing His Majesty The King in the region

• Mr Mark Llewellin DL, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester

• Councillor Shaukat Ali, Lord Mayor of Manchester

• Representatives of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

• Members of the Manchester and Liverpool Consular Corps

• Representatives of Greater Manchester’s local and regional authorities

• Leaders from academia, business, finance, law, and international trade

• Members of the Moldovan diaspora

Their presence demonstrated the broad support for the continued development of UK–Moldova relations and highlighted the growing importance of Moldova within the region.

Why Manchester Matters

Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s leading economic, cultural, educational, and innovation centres.

The city is internationally recognised for its entrepreneurial spirit, world-class universities, advanced manufacturing capabilities, financial services sector, and international connectivity.

Equally important, the North West of England is home to one of the largest Moldovan communities in the United Kingdom.

A significant proportion of Moldovan nationals living in the region have chosen Salford and Greater Manchester as their home.

As a result, Manchester represents a natural location for strengthening links between Moldova and the United Kingdom at both local and regional levels.

During his address, Ambassador Ruslan Bolbocean highlighted the strategic importance of establishing an Honorary Consulate in such a dynamic region and recognised the valuable contribution made by Moldovan citizens to local communities across the North West.

Building on Strong Bilateral Relations

The inauguration takes place at a time when relations between Moldova and the United Kingdom continue to deepen.

Recent years have seen growing cooperation across diplomacy, trade, education, culture, and community engagement.

A particularly important milestone came in 2025 when Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova, visited the United Kingdom.

During that visit, President Sandu met with the British Prime Minister and was received by His Majesty The King.

These high-level engagements reflected the increasing strength of the partnership between the two countries and reinforced Moldova’s position as a trusted European partner.

Speakers throughout the inauguration highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by Moldova in recent years and recognised the country’s growing importance within the wider European landscape.

A Commitment to Community

For Dina Railean, the appointment as Honorary Consul represents both a privilege and a responsibility.

As Honorary Consul, her mandate includes promoting Moldova’s interests, strengthening bilateral relations, supporting the Moldovan community, encouraging economic cooperation, and building connections across business, academia, culture, and public life.

Dina Railean brings extensive experience to the role.

She serves as:

• Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Manchester

• Salford President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

• CEO of Express Language Solutions Ltd

• CEO and Chair of Moldovan Diaspora Business Alliance

• Council Member, the Insurance Institute of Manchester

Throughout her professional and community leadership roles, she has consistently championed stronger UK–Moldova relations and worked to raise the profile of Moldova across the North West of England.

Speaking during the inauguration, she reaffirmed her commitment to promoting Moldova as a reliable European partner and to building bridges between institutions, communities, businesses, universities, and public authorities.

A Voice for the Moldovan Diaspora

The establishment of the Honorary Consulate also carries special significance for Moldovans living across the North of England.

For many years, the Moldovan community has contributed positively to British society through entrepreneurship, professional excellence, education, healthcare, public service, and community engagement.

The opening of the Honorary Consulate acknowledges these contributions and strengthens Moldova’s presence within the region.

Moreover, it sends an important message.

The Moldovan diaspora has a voice.

The Moldovan diaspora matters.

The Moldovan diaspora continues to play an important role in shaping the future relationship between Moldova and the United Kingdom.

The Honorary Consulate will also support the outreach consular services organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in London.

These services have already proven invaluable to Moldovan citizens living outside the capital and will continue to improve accessibility for the community.

Looking Ahead

The inauguration concluded with informal discussions, networking opportunities, and a tasting of Moldovan wines.

Yet the significance of the day extends far beyond the event itself.

The opening of the Honorary Consulate creates new opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and engagement.

It strengthens Moldova’s visibility in one of the UK’s most influential regions.

It reinforces the importance of the Moldovan community.

Most importantly, it lays the foundation for deeper collaboration between Moldova and the United Kingdom in the years ahead.

As Honorary Consul, Dina Railean remains committed to serving the interests of Moldova, supporting the Moldovan diaspora, and strengthening partnerships that benefit both countries.

The future of UK–Moldova relations is bright.

This inauguration marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.