Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi undertook an official visit to Romania from 9-10 January 2022, on the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Romania, Bogdan Aurescu.
During the bilateral talks, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Discussions focused on exploring possibilities to further deepen engagement in different sectors, including commerce & trade, investment, defence, education, labour, science & technology, and culture. It was agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations soon in Islamabad and to revive the Joint Economic Commission. Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated Romania’s support for Pakistan within the EU, particularly for GSP+ status. Exchanging views on regional issues, the Foreign Minister briefed his Romanian counterpart on Pakistan’s efforts for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK.
Pakistan and Romania signed two MoUs during the visit relating to Award of scholarships to Pakistani students by Politehnica University of Bucharest; and Cooperation between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Romanian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI).
The Foreign Minister also called on the Romanian Prime Minister, and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to build a broad-based and substantive relationship with Romania. He thanked Romanian government for announcing gift of 500,000 doses of Covid vaccine. Prime Minister Ciuca appreciated Pakistan’s facilitation in evacuation of Romanian nationals from Afghanistan.
During the Foreign Minister’s meeting with the Romanian Minister for Economy, the two sidesappreciated increasing bilateral trade despite Covidand discussed ways to further enhance economic ties.
Earlier, the Foreign Minister inaugurated ‘Pakistan Cultural & Trade Exhibition Center’ at the Embassy of Pakistan, Bucharest. The Center will serve as a venue for permanent exhibition ofPakistani export items and for holding cultural events aimed at promoting tourism and soft image of the country. Addressing the Pakistani community in Romania, the Foreign Ministerunderlined steps being taken by the government for ensuring welfare of Pakistani diaspora.
Pakistan and Romania enjoy close and friendly ties. Both sides have similarity of views on important regional and global matters and have traditionally cooperated on various international forums. This visit was undertaken with a view to enhance Pakistan’s engagement with European Union Members, particularly enhancing economicinterface and sharing Pakistan’s viewpoint on important regional issues.
*-*-*-*-*
?
