Diplomat Ivan Stoyanov dies

Ivan Traykov Stoyanov, a diplomat, teacher and public figure who devoted much of his life to Bulgaria's communities in Moldova and Ukraine, has died, Bulgaria's embassy in Moldova announced on Facebook.

Stoyanov played a key role in the development of Bulgarian-language education and cultural life in Moldova. In 1994, he arrived in Taraclia as part of Bulgaria's programme for sending teachers abroad. Alongside teaching, he served as a Bulgarian-language adviser to the local education authorities, working to preserve the Bulgarian language, history, traditions and identity while helping revive Bulgarian customs and celebrations.

In 1996, he joined the newly established Bulgarian School in Chisinau, later renamed Vasil Levski, where he introduced the subject History, Culture and Traditions of the Bulgarian People, inspiring generations of young Bessarabian Bulgarians.

His diplomatic career included consular postings in Kyiv, Odesa and Chisinau. He also helped establish Bulgaria's first consulate in Taraclia in 2017, a long-awaited milestone for the Bulgarian community in Moldova. As the country's first consul there, he worked tirelessly in support of Bulgarian citizens and the local community.

Remembered for his professionalism, compassion and dedication, Stoyanov helped countless Bessarabian Bulgarians in Moldova and Ukraine, as well as many who later settled in Bulgaria.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova