Islamabad, October 29,2026: Romania and Pakistan are exploring new avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, technology and cultural exchanges, Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Dan Stoenescu said on Thursday.
Addressing a “Meet the Press” session at the National Press Club in Islamabad, the ambassador highlighted more than six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries, established on October 15, 1964. He said the longstanding friendship was built on mutual respect, shared interests and constructive dialogue, expressing confidence that bilateral ties could enter a new phase of cooperation.
Dr. Stoenescu said Romania had contributed to Pakistan’s industrial development in previous decades, particularly through technical expertise and cooperation in the oil, cement and fertiliser sectors. He said the two countries could build on this legacy by developing partnerships in renewable energy, information technology, agriculture, industrial innovation and infrastructure.
Describing economic diplomacy as a key priority, the ambassador said bilateral trade currently stood at approximately $156 million. He noted that the existing trade volume did not reflect the full potential of the two economies and called for stronger engagement between their business communities.
He said Romania’s membership of the European Union and its position as an industrial and logistical hub in Central and Eastern Europe could provide Pakistani businesses with opportunities to access European markets. Pakistan, meanwhile, offered promising opportunities for Romanian companies through its entrepreneurial sector, industrial capabilities and growing technological expertise.
Highlighting recent developments, Dr. Stoenescu referred to a memorandum of understanding signed between the Port of Constanța and Karachi Port Trust in March 2026. He said the agreement could improve maritime connectivity, facilitate trade and develop commercial routes linking South Asia with Europe through the Black Sea and the Danube corridor.
He also highlighted an October 2025 memorandum signed between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describing it as an important step towards closer business cooperation.
The ambassador said a Pakistani business delegation’s visit to Romania in October 2026, organised on the initiative of the Romanian Embassy in Islamabad, had provided further momentum to bilateral economic relations. The visit included a Pakistan–Romania Business Forum in Bucharest, where entrepreneurs from information technology, agriculture, shipping, logistics, education and textiles explored commercial opportunities and potential long-term partnerships.
On defence cooperation, Dr. Stoenescu said the two countries could expand institutional contacts, professional exchanges, military education and training. He recalled that four offshore patrol vessels built at Damen Shipyards Galați in Romania had been delivered to the Pakistan Navy.
He said future collaboration could also cover military medicine, disaster-response capabilities and participation in multinational training activities. Emphasising a practical approach, he said bilateral engagement should lead to concrete projects, institutional partnerships and lasting mutual trust.
The ambassador also acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional and international security, particularly through its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
