Macedonia honorary consulate opens in Cluj

Ambassador of Macedonia to Romania, Pande Lazarevski, inaugurated on Tuesday Macedonia's honorary consulate in Transylvania, having its premises in Cluj Napoca.

Luminita Silaghi-Dumitrescu, Professor at the Babes-Bolyai University, was appointed head of the consular office with territorial competence over the counties of Cluj, Bihor, Satu-Mare, Maramures, Bistrita-Nasaud, Salaj and Alba.

I am sure that by the appointment of Mrs. Professor Luminita Silaghi-Dumitrescu cultural, academic, scientific, sporting and trade relations between the Republic of Macedonia and Transylvania counties will intensify, will deepen and, where appropriate, will take new directions for the common benefit, Ambassador Pande Lazarevski said, after handing the new honorary consul a document signed by representatives of the Romanian Foreign Ministry.

In her turn, the freshly appointed honorary consul said she wasn't expecting such an honor, because she knew that it is customary for business people or persons capable to get involved in economic relations to be named to such positions.

"I realized, however, that apart from economic relations, which are sometimes unclear and subject to political change or crisis, there is a level of cultural relations. These relations are based on affinity and similarities of social perception that are not so sensitive to the economic crisis and the changes that occur in various moments of life," said Luminita Silaghi-Dumitrescu.

She added that, in her capacity as honorary consul she will get involved, along with Cluj-based institutions and academia, in various projects, but will also try to identify the already existing Romania — Macedonia relations in the counties under the consulate's scope of activity.

The new honorary consul visited on Tuesday the major institutions in Cluj to share information relevant to her future activity.