Romanian Diana Stroia has been appointed High Sheriff of West Glamorgan in Wales, making her the first Romanian national ever appointed to this honorary position with a tradition of over 1,000 years in the British system, the RePatriot platform reports in a release on Thursday.

‘Today, as the first Romanian appointed High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, I proudly carry the values of faith and family that shaped me. For 24 years, Wales has been my home, offering me support and inspiration. I have promoted Romanian culture and supported the community with dedication. Now, I offer my service with respect to the British Royal House and encourage Romanians, wherever they may be, to be a light and a worthy example of our country,’ said Diana Stroia.

The ceremony held on April 8 brought together British officials, local and Romanian community leaders, as well as Romanian entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom.

‘The appointment of the first Romanian national, Diana Stroia, as High Sheriff in Wales – West Glamorgan carries a special significance both for the relationship between Romania and the United Kingdom, and for the Romanian community in the UK. I discovered her dedication while she was serving as Romania’s Honorary Consul in Wales, a role that requires determination and a tireless commitment to serve the country she represents,’ said the Romanian ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Laura Popescu.

Diana Stroia, who features among the Top 100 Romanians Everywhere in 2021 – Professionals category, has an extensive experience in finance and technology, and is a dedicated supporter of the community she lives in, promoting business opportunities between Romania and her adoptive homeland, the cited release states.

‘It is a great honor for us that a Romanian represents the British Royal House in this office and that we are invited to the impressive swearing-in ceremony. We are happy for Diana Stroia, we will stand by her side in the mission she has undertaken and we are sure that it will be a new reason for rapprochement between Romania and Wales,’ said Marius Bostan, RePatriot founder and serial entrepreneur.

In her turn, Alina Balatchi Lupascu, co-founder of the London based NGO Romanian Women in UK, said that the moment ‘brings added visibility and recognition to the Romanian community in the United Kingdom.’