Tazeen Akhtar
Ambassador of Romania, H.E Dan Stoenescu is looking forward to tap the real potential of Romania Pakistan economic cooperation that he sees is $5 Billion and not what is now about $200 Billion. He has said , ” We have many things in our minds to do and we will definitely achieve our target with mutual efforts.”
He said this in his address to the members of Pakistan Romania Friendship Association who gathered at Hotel Royalton in Rawalpindi on the invitation of Mr. Khalid Rehman on 04 Feb 2025. President PRFA Ahsan Shah co-hosted the welcome lunch in collaboration with Mr. Rehman.
Mr. Ahsan Shah briefed the Ambassador on the activities and events of the association that were organized to enhance bilateral cooperation. He discussed the plans of the Association for the future.
Ambassador in his address, touching bilateral cooperation in defence , culture, education said, ” Our universities are cooperating one another. We are working on establishment of a chair of Urdu language in Romania while a chair of Romanian language has been set up in NUML Islamabad. For Urdu language, I will be the first student.”
“Pakistan is 7th country in my diplomatic service after USA, UK, Spain, Tunis and Syria. I have found Pakistan a beautiful country and Pakistanis as highly welcoming and hospitable, Ambassador noted.
Mr. Stoenescu sees the future of Pakistan as bright despite some politicians point out many problems. He said that we need to explore opportunities than highlighting the problems only. He says that the population of Pakistan can be a resource if it is made capable.
” Romania’s population is 23 Million only and 4-5 Million shifted to West Europe. Our GDP is $350 Billion while Pakistan with 250 Million population has a GDP of around $238 Billion. Pakistan can work on human development. Small and Medium Enterprises can play central role in this regard, Ambassador shared.
Finally, Ambassador briefed the members on the development of Romania and its joining the European Union. He said, Romania is expecting the return of the diaspora living in the West Europe. The remittances, they send are important but more important is to work in their own country. Romania has made a tremendous development in previous years and the country needs the countrymen to come back and work for their own state.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the meeting and assured them of his cooperation for promotion of bilateral cooperation.
