ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Embassy of Romania to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in collaboration with Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized a reception to celebrate the successful completion of Romanian tenure as President of European Union Council and to bid farewell to European Union’s Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Jean-François CAUTAIN in Islamabad on Friday.
The event commenced with the address of His Excellency Nicolae GOIA, Ambassador of Romania to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan who stated that Romania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU has been a successful office in which Romania has proved to be strongly attached to the European values and has acted to strengthen the European project, for a Union of the citizens, of liberties, efforts and combined capacities.
In the six months of this term, we have proven promptitude, efficiency and professionalism, given that Romania’s presidency of the council of the EU took place in a complex and dynamic context, marked by the European elections, as well as the developments related to Brexit, by an ever changing international environment.
The EU’s Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Jean-François CAUTAIN stated the Presidency of the Council of EU has had a great symbolic value for Romania, which has led to the significant results, for Romania as well as for the EU. The Romanian Government has made a sustained effort in these six months. He further stated that he came to Pakistan in 1986 and have visited most of the parts of Pakistan. He thanked Ambassador Nicolae GOIA for his good wishes on his farewell. He stated that is going back with great memories and good friends.
Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan was the Chief Guest at the occasion. She stated that it is a great honor for me to be a part of this celebration. She congratulated Romania on its successful completion of Romanian tenure as President of European Union Council. She stated that the priorities of the new Government are very different from the previous. The Presidency served as an opportunity for Romania to promote the development and prosperity of its people, and to take the country on the new heights of economic and commercial activities by connecting Romania with other members of the EU. She appreciated and commended the efforts of CGSS and Embassy of Romania for organizing the successful event. She stated that more events must also be organized in future for the promotion of people to people contact which will result in more enhanced relations between Pakistan, Romania and European Union. The Presidency was a proof that Romania is an honest member of the EU and has managed the Presidency confidently for six months.
Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, HI(M), (Retd) –President CGSS stated that the Presidency has been dedicated to promote the dialogue among the EU members to ensure the safety of the European citizens, from internal and external threats. Pakistan and Romania have enjoyed friendly relations since the initiation of their diplomatic relations in 1964. Both countries emerged out of the struggle of oppressed and suppressed people against the imperialism. Although there lie thousands of miles of distance between the countries but the people share the same historical background.
Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed, (Retd) –President Pakistan Romania Friendship Association stated extended deep appreciation to the Romanian Leadership for handling the Council successfully. It was the first time Romania held the Council’s rotatory presidency since it became a member of the European Union in 2007. During the Presidency, Romania has been committed to the priorities set under the motto of “Cohesion, A Common European Union.” He congratulated the Romanian Government and wished Finland all the best.
The event was attended by prominent members of the Diplomatic Corps.
