Ambassador Stoenescu Highlights 61 Years of Pakistan–Romania Relations at National Day Event
Islamabad – 1st December 2025 (Adnan Hameed) : The Embassy of Romania in Islamabad hosted a reception at the Mövenpick Hotel to mark Romania’s National Day, attended by nearly 600 guests, including senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Romanian community.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi graced the ceremony as Guest of Honour, while Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation & Social Protection Peer Imran Shah and Federal Minister for Investment Qaisar Ahmed Sheikh were also in attendance. Other notable participants included Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Senator Rana Mahmood, Danyal Chaudhry, Convener of the Pakistan–Romania Friendship Group, MNA Farah Naz, as well as several parliamentarians and officials.
In his remarks, Minister Hanif Abbasi conveyed warm greetings from the Government of Pakistan, appreciating the longstanding bilateral relations and highlighting opportunities for enhanced cooperation in railway development, energy, culture, education, and trade.
Addressing to the gathering, Romanian Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu underscored the historic importance of 1 December, marking the 1918 Great Union as a symbol of Romania’s national unity and enduring commitment to freedom, security and prosperity. He also celebrated 61 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Pakistan, noting steady growth in political, economic, cultural and academic cooperation.
The Ambassador highlighted Romania’s expanding footprint in Pakistan, including the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Peshawar and planned consulates in Karachi and Lahore. He pointed to recent initiatives such as the first Romania–Pakistan IT Forum, strengthened defense cooperation, and increased cultural and academic exchanges.
On global affairs, Dr. Stoenescu reaffirmed Romania’s firm support for Ukraine and NATO’s Eastern Flank, stressing the nation’s dedication to sovereignty, democracy and international partnership.
As part of the Romanian Cultural Days in Pakistan, the event featured special musical performances: the Romanian and EU anthems performed by Romanian soprano Georgiana Costea-Glugă, and the Pakistani national anthem performed by two local students trained by the soprano. The cultural presentation was widely praised and added a distinguished touch to the diplomatic gathering.
Romania’s National Day reception served as a strong diplomatic platform, bringing together ambassadors, military representatives, prominent professionals, journalists, and expatriates.
