Islamabad, October 19,2026: Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Dan Stoenescu has said that Pakistan and Romania enjoy friendly and constructive relations, with bilateral defence cooperation witnessing positive progress in recent years.
Addressing a reception marking Romanian Armed Forces Day at the Marriott Hotel here on Monday, the ambassador highlighted the growing military partnership between the two countries and expressed confidence that ongoing discussions would translate into practical initiatives to further strengthen bilateral defence ties.
The reception was attended by Air Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfer, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Projects), along with senior military officials, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
Ambassador Stoenescu said October 25 was one of Romania’s most important national occasions, dedicated to paying tribute to the country’s armed forces, honouring their historic achievements and recognising the dedication of serving military personnel.
Highlighting Romania’s commitment to international peace and security, he said the country, as a member of NATO and the European Union, considered the transatlantic partnership essential for collective defence, stability and the preservation of peace in Europe.
He said the evolving security environment, particularly Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, had prompted European countries to increase investment in defence capabilities and modernise their armed forces.
The ambassador noted that Romania was committed to strengthening its defence capabilities through investments in air and missile defence, combat aviation, land and naval forces, unmanned systems, counter-drone technology, military infrastructure and logistics.
He also highlighted the role of European Union initiatives, including the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, under which Romania has been allocated €16.68 billion to accelerate defence procurement and promote industrial cooperation.
Referring to the security situation in the Black Sea region, Ambassador Stoenescu said the ongoing conflict in Ukraine had significantly affected regional stability. He noted that drone incursions into Romanian airspace had increased during 2026, with the first nine months witnessing three times as many incidents as the corresponding period of the previous year.
He said Romania remained committed to NATO’s collective deterrence and defence efforts and continued to contribute to European Union military missions and international peacekeeping operations.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Romania’s continued multidimensional support for Ukraine, including military training and participation in international coordination initiatives, while emphasising the importance of peace and stability in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.
Growing Pakistan-Romania defence partnership
Highlighting bilateral relations, Ambassador Stoenescu said military cooperation between Romania and Pakistan had gained momentum in recent years, developing into a mutually beneficial partnership.
He particularly referred to the fourth session of the Joint Military Committee, held in Islamabad in February 2026, which focused on expanding bilateral defence cooperation.
The discussions covered joint counterterrorism training, Pakistan-Romania Air Force training courses, exchanges of experience in military education, joint naval training and cooperation in the defence industry. The two sides also exchanged views on the security situations in the Black Sea and South Asia regions and discussed current international developments.
The ambassador expressed confidence that the discussions would lead to practical cooperation initiatives, further strengthening military relations between the two countries.
He also noted Romania’s continued participation in the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), contributing military observers to the UN peacekeeping mission.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, Ambassador Stoenescu praised the professionalism and commitment of the Pakistani armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and their contributions to international peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and other operations aimed at alleviating human suffering.
Concluding his remarks, the Romanian ambassador reaffirmed the spirit of friendship between the two countries with the slogan: “Romania-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad.”
