ISLAMABAD :Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Dan Stoenescu has emphasized expanding cooperation in IT, Artificial Intelligence, agriculture and education, saying vast potential exists to boost trade and investment.
The ambassador was speaking at the Meet the Press program during his visit to the National Press Club Islamabad. He also planted a sapling on the NPC lawn.
Ambassador Stoenescu said Pakistan-Romania relations span over six decades, based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation since diplomatic ties were established on October 15, 1964. Romania earlier contributed to Pakistan’s industrial development in oil, cement and fertilizer sectors.
He said bilateral trade stands at around $156 million, which does not reflect true potential. As an EU member and industrial hub, Romania can offer Pakistani businesses access to European markets.
He highlighted an MoU between Port of Constan?a and Karachi Port Trust in March 2026 for maritime connectivity, and an MoU between FPCCI and Bucharest Chamber in October 2025. A Pakistani business delegation visited Romania and a Pakistan-Romania Business Forum was held in Bucharest in October 2026.
On defence, he said four Offshore Patrol Vessels for Pakistan Navy were built at Damen Shipyards in Gala and scope exists in military education, medicine and disaster response.
Emphasizing the importance of education, scientific research and technological innovation, the ambassador said that European programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe could facilitate academic partnerships, research collaboration and institutional exchanges between Pakistani and Romanian universities, research centres and technology companies.
He identified digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture as promising areas for joint research and development.
He said Romania regards Pakistan as an important partner in South Asia and wants to transform friendship into tangible results.
NPC President Abdul Razzaq Sial, Secretary Dr. Furqan Rao, Finance Secretary Abid Abbasi and senior journalists welcomed him.
Sial said Pakistan and Romania enjoy close ties with wide scope for cooperation in journalism, education, trade, IT and culture. Dr. Furqan Rao said the NPC is a representative body promoting press freedom, responsible journalism and international media linkages.
Ambassador Dr Dan Stoenescu noted on his social media;
Strengthening Romania–Pakistan relations was at the heart of my exchange today with over 100 journalists during an extraordinary press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad.
Building on more than six decades of friendship, I shared the latest information about our efforts to further explore opportunities to expand trade, investment, information technology, education and cultural cooperation.
From closer links between the Port of Constanța and Karachi Port Trust to partnerships in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and software development, our shared ambition is to translate longstanding friendship into concrete opportunities for businesses and citizens in both countries.
I also addressed Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its consequences for Romania and the wider Black Sea region. Threats to commercial shipping and regional security underline the importance of upholding international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Romania remains committed to a just and lasting peace.
As a symbol of lasting friendship between Romania and Pakistan, I planted a tree as a gesture of our commitment to nurturing a partnership that will grow for generations to come.
