By – ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY

The world Ambassador

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Islamabad – Today, the Embassy of Romania hosted an elegant ceremony at a local hotel to celebrate Romania’s National Day. Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, highlighted the significance of the occasion.

He said that 1st December is Romania’s National Day, commemorating the historic Great Union of 1918, when all Romanian provinces came together to form a modern and unified state. This day represents national unity, social harmony, and a reaffirmation of the values that shape Romania’s identity. With this spirit, Romania continues its confident journey toward freedom, security, and prosperity.

This year also marks 61 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Romania—a partnership rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and steady cooperation. Political, economic, cultural, and academic ties have grown stronger, and both nations remain committed to expanding this partnership in the years ahead.

Over the past year, Romania has taken significant steps to enhance its presence in Pakistan. The Honorary Consulate of Romania was inaugurated in Peshawar, while new honorary consulates in Karachi and Lahore are being prepared.

Ambassador Stoenescu shared that he visited Karachi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and several other cities to strengthen economic cooperation and explore opportunities for trade and investment.

For the first time, both countries jointly organized the Romania–Pakistan IT Forum, bringing together more than 100 companies. This landmark event has opened new avenues for collaboration in technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Defence cooperation has also grown, with high-level military engagements highlighting trust and strong partnership between the armed forces of both countries.

In the past year, people-to-people exchanges, cultural activities, media collaboration, and educational partnerships have further reinforced bilateral ties. Cultural and academic initiatives have brought citizens closer and strengthened mutual understanding.

In November, Romania celebrated the first edition of Romanian Cultural Days in Pakistan, featuring film screenings, art exhibitions, and musical performances in Karachi and Islamabad.

Academic cooperation also expanded. Partnerships between Romanian universities and Pakistani institutions such as NUST, GIFT, and NUTECH have progressed. This year, the first-ever Romanian Language Lectorate was established at NUML, and Ambassador Stoenescu welcomed the new Romanian lecturer, Dr. Oana Ursache.

He noted that the world is changing rapidly, and every nation has the right to sovereignty. Despite regional challenges and global uncertainties, Romania remains steadfast in its goals—ensuring security, prosperity, and stability for its people.

Russia’s recent drone attacks on Ukrainian Danube ports have brought the threat close to Romania’s borders. NATO and EU initiatives such as Eastern Sentry, Eastern Flank Watch, and the Drone Wall are crucial steps in strengthening Eastern European security.

Romania, having the longest border with Ukraine among NATO allies, plays a pivotal role in collective defence. It continues to support Ukraine for a just and lasting peace.

Amid increasing geopolitical challenges, Romania is committed to defending democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, with the strong support of its allies and partners.

Regarding Moldova, the Ambassador reaffirmed Romania’s strong support for its EU accession, despite the hybrid threats posed by the Russian Federation.

Romania’s foreign policy remains anchored in four pillars: EU membership, NATO membership, its Strategic Partnership with the United States, and active cooperation with global partners.

Concluding his address, Ambassador Stoenescu said that celebrating Romania’s National Day alongside 61 years of diplomatic relations with Pakistan is a moment of pride. Both nations have achieved remarkable progress together in culture, education, trade, and security. He expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to grow stronger in the future.

Romania–Pakistan friendship zindabad!