Ambassador Dan Stoenescu highlights growing bilateral, defence ties with Pakistan
Rana Tahir Shahbaz
The Romanian Armed Forces Day was celebrated in Islamabad embassy on Tuesday to pay tribute to the professionalism and dedication of the forces.
Speaking on the occasion, Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dan Stoenescu welcomed Chief Guest Air Marshal Shakeel Ghazanfer, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Projects), and other distinguished guests. He said October 25 is an important national day in Romania to honour the service and sacrifices of its armed forces throughout history. Ambassador Stoenescu reaffirmed that as a member of NATO and the European Union, Romania remains committed to collective security, regional stability and international partnerships. He noted that the transatlantic bond has been a cornerstone of peace and stability for over seven decades.Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, also participated in the ceremony.
The Ambassador said the evolving global security environment requires continued adaptation and investment in modern defence capabilities. In this context, Romania is pursuing a comprehensive modernization plan for its Armed Forces, with focus on air and missile defence, combat aviation, land and naval forces, military infrastructure, logistics and new technologies including unmanned systems. He mentioned Romania’s participation in European defence support instruments like the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) and Readiness 2030 to accelerate modernization and industrial cooperation.
He highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security and the need for vigilance, cooperation and strengthened collective measures. On international engagement, he said Romania continues to actively contribute to missions under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy and to UN peacekeeping, including its long-standing participation with officers in the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
The Ambassador underlined that military cooperation between Romania and Pakistan is on an upward trajectory. He referred to the 4th session of the Joint Military Committee held in Islamabad in February, which discussed prospects for joint counter-terrorism training, Air Force training courses, military education exchanges, joint naval training and defence industry cooperation. Concluding his address, Ambassador Stoenescu praised Pakistan’s continued efforts for regional peace and stability and lauded the professionalism, commitment and sacrifices of Pakistani military personnel in combating terrorism and in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
The event concluded with the message: Romania – Pakistan dosti zindabad.