Tazeen Akhtar
The great nations always remember their martyrs and the defenders of their motherland and same does Romanian nation every year at the end of October when in 1944 Armed Forces of Romania liberated the last inch of their homeland from alien occupation. Defense Attache in Pakistan, Colonel Leonard VEZA and spouse Mrs Vesa Marcela hosted a magnificent reception with COVID-19 SoPs at Marriott Islamabad on 20 October 2021 that was a very well attended event in which representatives of all Pakistani Armed Forces and DAs of European and other countries were present to express their solidarity with Romania. Ambassador H.E Nicolae Goia welcomed the guest along with Mr. & Mrs Vesa.
On 25th of October 1944, Romanian Army had liberated the last occupied territories proving their gallantry and patriotism.The sacrifices of more than 700.000 military who paid the ultimate price during the four years of fierce battles, made Romania the fourth contributing power in defeating Fascism in the WWII.
Vice Admiral Faisal Lodhi represented Armed Forces of Pakistan as Guest of Honor in the event. Rear Admiral Naeem Sarwar, Director General Public Relations Pakistan Navy was also present. Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force officers also graced the reception with their presence. 
Young energetic diplomat of Romania Embassy Mr. Bogdon conducted the ceremony. Honorary Consul General of Romania in Karachi Mr. Tariq Saud also participated.
Ambassador Nicolae Goia in his address covered the history of the Armed Forces Day, present state of the nation and forces, relations with Pakistan and other related matters.
Ambassador thanked all that made this event possible, including the management and staff of the Marriott Hotel. Above everything else,the culinary contribution of Mrs. Marcela Veza, the wife of defense attache who, assisted by the ladies of the Embassy succeeded to give to this evening dinner`s menu a touch of Romanian flavor as well.
H.E Niclae Goia stated that Romania is today a powerful state allies and partners can rely on, a pillar of stability and security provider in our region and worldwide, with an Army operating at highest professional standards, being ready and fully prepared to contribute to the protection of European and democratic community of values.
“The proximity of the Eastern border of the Euro-Atlantic space makes Romania both a gate-locker and a strategic opener of the roads. The multiple threats to the global security, terrorism above all, make cooperation between all peace loving countries in the world in confronting the menaces of extremism of all kind, more critical and necessary then in other moment of the history.” He continued.
Ambassador emphasized that as a responsible member of the European Union my country is contributing fully to the EU endeavor to cope with the great transformations and challenges for the future of the European project. In a probably most complicated world than ever before, my country had fully demonstrated its capacity to become and added value to the process of attaining the fundamental objectives of the European Union as well as building confidence in the capacity of the Union to overcome all the difficulties and emerge even stronger and more united.
“Living in the critical time of COVID it is absolutely imperative to have unity and cohesion of all member states of the EU in order to fight a crisis the mankind never had encountered in the past. We are confident that as much as difficult the situation appears to be, by the synergetic efforts of all nations we will finally manage to have our lives back.” Ambassador expressed.
Presently, Romania`s Army takes part in various international peace keeping, combating terrorism and humanitarian missions in the most difficult and sensitive regions of the Planet. We are proud that two Romanian officers are currently serving in UNMOGIP.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the excellent professional level of the Pakistani Army and the good relations existing between the military and the ministries of defense of our two countries. The high level of interaction between the embassy and prominent commanders of the Pakistani Armed Forces have identified a large number of fields where we can strengthen ad diversify the cooperation.” Ambassador noted.
Mr Nicolae Goia said that as we celebrate Romanian Army`s Day, I hope for an even stronger partnership between Romania and Pakistan to benefit of the tremendous opportunities and potential that lie ahead.He conveyed to the Pakistani people and all the women and men serving in the Pakistani Army a sincere message of friendship as well as warm wishes of peace and prosperity.
