9
The Ambassador of Romania, H.E Dr. Dan STOENESCU and the Defence Attache, Colonel Cristian RADUCU hosted a reception on 17 Oct 2025 to celebrate the Romanian Armed Forces Day in Islamabad to honor the Romanian Armed Forces and pay respect to fallen heroes.
Deputy Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfer was the chief guest while other high officials of all three wings of Pakistan armed forces were also present. Defence Attaches of EU and other countries also attended the event. Ambassadors of European Union , Bulgaria and Egypt also graced the reception with their presence.
Ambassador in his keynote address, highlighted the historical significance of October 25, marking the liberation of the last Romanian territory by the Romanian Army in 1944 during World War II.
The address touched upon Romania’s membership in NATO and the EU, emphasizing the country’s contributions and the values the Romanian Armed Forces bring to these organizations.
HE Dr. STOENESCU stated the policy brief regarding Romania’s stance on security in the Black Sea region and its relations with Ukraine and Moldova. Key points include:
– Romania is committed to ensuring security and stability in the Black Sea region and views itself as a responsible ally.
– Russia is identified as a significant long-term threat due to its aggression against Ukraine and destabilizing tactics.
– Romania supports strengthening collective deterrence and defense posture, notably through NATO and EU efforts.
– Romania is involved in assisting Ukraine and coordinating support through NATO and EU channels.
– Romania supports Moldova’s European path and acknowledges Moldova faces security challenges, including Russian hybrid actions.
Ambassador highlighted the growing military cooperation between Romania and Pakistan. HE mentioned key exchanges, including visits by high-ranking military officials like Chairman Joint Cheifs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, discussing mutual defence cooperation avenues such as bilateral visits, training, and exercises.
Some key points of cooperation and engagement, shared by the Ambassador include:
– Participation of the Romanian Navy in multinational exercises like AMAN 2025.
– Romania’s involvement in PIMEC 2025, a significant maritime exhibition in Karachi.
– Romania’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions, with officers observing in India and Pakistan.
HE Dr. STOENESCU spoke highly about the professionalism and patriotism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and their efforts against terrorism.
Honorary Consul of Romania in Peshawar, Masood Ahmad Qazi was also present at the occasion. He arranged a remarkable tour of EU Ambassadors last week to historical city of Peshawar that was the first in the history of Pakistan in a sense that never so many Ambassadors of EU had traveled to Peshawar.