Islamabad, November 27, 2025: Romania’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Dan Stoenesue, marked his country’s National Day with a comprehensive address celebrating 61 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Pakistan, while underscoring growing bilateral cooperation and the shifting security landscape in Europe.
Speaking at an event in Islamabad, the ambassador said Romania’s National Day commemorates the Great Union of 1918, a historic moment that unified all Romanian provinces into a modern nation-state. He noted that the day symbolizes national unity, shared values, and Romania’s continued commitment to “freedom, security, and prosperity.”
Strengthening Romania–Pakistan relations
Ambassador Stoenesue highlighted that ties between the two countries have deepened across political, economic, cultural and academic spheres.
“This year marks six decades of friendship, mutual respect, and steady cooperation between Romania and Pakistan,” he said. “Our partnership has grown consistently, and we remain committed to further strengthening it in the years ahead.”
He noted several milestones achieved over the past year, including the opening of the Romanian Honorary Consulate in Peshawar and ongoing preparations for new honorary consulates in Karachi and Lahore.
The envoy also referenced his extensive visits to Karachi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other cities to enhance trade and investment cooperation. These engagements, he said, “opened new doors for business dialogue and economic partnerships.”
A major highlight was the launch of the first-ever Romania–Pakistan IT Forum, which connected more than 100 companies from both sides to explore opportunities in technology, innovation and digital transformation. Defence cooperation also expanded through high-level military exchanges, reflecting “a solid, trusted partnership” between the two armed forces.
Cultural and academic engagements on the rise
The ambassador emphasized a significant increase in people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The inaugural Romanian Cultural Days in Pakistan, held in November, featured film screenings, art exhibitions and musical performances in Karachi and Islamabad.
Academic cooperation also advanced with new partnerships between Romanian institutions and Pakistani universities including NUST, GIFT and NUTECH. This year, Romania inaugurated its first Romanian language lectorate at NUML, where Dr. Oana Ursache has joined as lecturer.
“These initiatives deepen the human dimension of our partnership and build lasting bridges between our peoples,” he said.
Regional security: war at Romania’s doorstep
Turning to the situation in Europe, Ambassador Stoenesue warned that Russia’s recent actions have brought conflict closer to Romania’s borders.
“In recent months, Russia has brought the war literally to Romania’s doorstep,” he said, citing repeated drone attacks on Ukrainian ports along the Danube that triggered alerts in Romanian border regions.
He emphasized NATO’s response through initiatives such as the Eastern Sentry and Eastern Flank Watch (Drone Wall), calling them “concrete steps to strengthen the security of the Eastern Flank.”
“The numerous violations of Allied airspace by Russian aircraft and drones must not become the new normal,” he added.
Support for Ukraine and regional stability
Romania, as the NATO member with the longest border with Ukraine, has remained at the forefront of efforts to bolster regional defence and deterrence, he noted.
“We continue to support Ukraine — as we have from the first moments of Russian aggression — to achieve a just and lasting peace,” the ambassador affirmed.
He also reiterated Romania’s firm support for Moldova’s EU integration, while warning that the country faces ongoing destabilization attempts as part of Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics.
Commitment to democracy, security and partnerships
Ambassador Stoenesue reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to the values of democracy, the rule of law, sovereignty and independence. He emphasized that the country’s memberships in the European Union, NATO, and its Strategic Partnership with the United States remain central pillars of its foreign policy.
“In a rapidly changing world, we remain a predictable and reliable partner, focused on delivering tangible results for our citizens and contributing to global security,” he said.
“Romania–Pakistan dosti zindabad”
Concluding his address, the ambassador expressed optimism for the future of bilateral relations.
“As we celebrate Romania’s National Day and over six decades of diplomatic relations, we look back with pride at all that Romania and Pakistan have achieved together,” he said. “Our friendship continues to grow stronger across culture, education, trade and security. By building on this solid foundation, we will open new avenues of cooperation toward an even brighter future for both nations.”
“Romania–Pakistan dosti zindabad!”
