Romanian Embassy Hosts Reception in Islamabad to Celebrate Armed Forces Day
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The Ambassador of Romania, H.E. Dr. Dan Stoenescu, and Defence Attaché Colonel Cristian Raducu hosted a reception in Islamabad to commemorate the Romanian Armed Forces Day, honoring the courage and sacrifices of Romanian soldiers and paying tribute to fallen heroes.
Deputy Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfer graced the event as the chief guest, while senior officials from all three branches of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Defence Attachés from various countries, and Ambassadors of the European Union and Egypt were also in attendance.
In his keynote address, H.E. Dr. Stoenescu underscored the historical significance of October 25 — marking the liberation of the last Romanian territory during World War II in 1944. He elaborated on Romania’s evolving role as a NATO and EU member, highlighting the country’s contributions to regional and global security and the values upheld by the Romanian Armed Forces.
Addressing the current geopolitical situation, the Ambassador noted the complex security environment in Romania’s region, citing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a defining challenge to Europe’s security paradigm. He reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Black Sea region, strengthening collective defense through NATO and EU mechanisms, supporting Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities, and endorsing Moldova’s European aspirations in the face of hybrid threats.
H.E. Dr. Stoenescu also emphasized the expanding defence cooperation between Romania and Pakistan. He commended the professionalism and patriotism of Pakistan’s Armed Forces and acknowledged recent high-level exchanges, including visits by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.
Highlighting practical avenues of collaboration, the Ambassador mentioned Romania’s participation in multinational naval exercises such as AMAN 2025, engagement in the PIMEC 2025 maritime exhibition in Karachi, and contributions to UN peacekeeping missions in South Asia, with Romanian officers observing in India and Pakistan.
The event concluded with an expression of solidarity and shared commitment between Romania and Pakistan to promote international peace, regional security, and stronger bilateral defence ties.
