ISLAMABAD, 03 AUG, (DNA) – Pakistan-Romanian relationship has many aspects that have evolved since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964. Both countries developed strong economic, trade and cultural relations rooted in decades old history, and presently, both countries are looking to expand economic cooperation, as well as to enhance their import and export ties. Pakistan and Romania have now also agreed to expand their bilateral defence cooperation, and currently, both the countries have different agreements in defence production and relevant areas.

This was stated by Emilian Ion, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Pakistan, at a Public Talk on “Pakistan-Romanian Relations” organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) under its Ambassadors Platform series today.

Ambassador Ion applauded the ISSI and stated that such institutions play an important role in the enhancement of relationship and bilateral ties between countries. He pointed out that Romania built the first oil refinery in Karachi, as well as fibre optic plants. There are also numerous joint ventures in the field of education, particularly in Lahore in the field of mathematics.

The Ambassador said that Pakistan is a cultural treasure trove and stated that because of its strategic location, Pakistan holds a huge economic potential which needs to be followed up by the Pakistan-Romanian business council in Karachi. With respect to trade, both countries can greatly benefit from each other. The present trade figure is more than $300 million. Romanian imports from Pakistan include cotton, surgical instruments and shoes, while Pakistan, among other things, has started to increase demand for Romanian flowers and canola for its oil industry.

The ambassador voiced his confidence regarding the future relations between Romania and Pakistan and thanked the Pakistani people for their hospitality during his stay in the country.

Earlier, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors of ISSI, in his welcome remarks praised Ambassador Emilion Ion, calling him a very seasoned diplomat in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He appreciated the support provided by Romania to Pakistan for acquiring the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) with European Union (EU) countries and highlighted the corporation in the fields of media and education.

Later, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his concluding remarks underlined that Pakistan highly values friendly relations with Romania and is committed to strengthening ties and enhancing long-lasting cooperation. He stated that now, there are institutional arrangements in place in form of joint commissions and various corporations in the fields of media, economy and defence.

He applauded the great contribution Ambassador Ion had made in reviving Pakistan-Romania relationship and providing concrete content to interaction between the two countries. =DNA