Charge d, Affaires of Romania Mr. Eduard Robert PREDA has commemorated the services and scarifies of the soldiers of South Asia including Punjab and KPK regions of Pakistan that they offered for peace in the world during WWI. He appreciated them during his welcome speech at the 105th National Day, the realization of Great Union celebrated in Islamabad at Serena Hotels on 28th of Nov 2023.
“We, in Romania and in Europe, will always remember that over a million soldiers from South Asia had fought courageously and heroically in different battle fields of the WWI and 60.000 of them, mostly from today Pakistani Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, had paid the ultimate price in defending the ideals of peace, freedom, liberty, dignity, democracy and fundamental human rights. Today we pay tribute and honour them as much as we honour our heroes, Mr. PREDA said.
Mr. Muhammad Jawad Sohrab Malik,Special Assistant to Caretaker Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development(Minister) was the chief guest at the occasion. He congratulated people and government of Romania on their National Day. He expressed his gratitude to the Charge d, Affaires for the cooperation and support Romania extends to Pakistan in different sectors and at international fora like European Union, especially in grant of GSP + status for Pakistan that helped boost Pakistani exports to Europe more than USE one Billion.
The event was well attended by other government and military officials, ambassadors , business community, civil society and media persons in large number. Honorary Consul of Romania from Karachi Mr Tariq Saud was also present.
Welcome Address of Mr. PREDA :
On December 1st 2023 we celebrate 105 years since the realization of our Great Union. National Day is a moment of remembrance of the historical act of December 1st, 1918, representing a fundamental landmark for all Romanians, at home and abroad, an opportunity to reaffirm the national consciousness and unity, the vision and fundamental objectives of the Romanian nation.
This day is a symbol of our solidarity in the face of all the difficulties we have faced as a nation, which we have overcome and will continue to overcome, with confidence in our own strength, through common efforts and trust in the future we are building together.One hundred and five years back, the centuries-long ideal of national unity has been achieved, building the foundation of the modern Romanian state.
He said, “The history of Romania, like that of Europe, is not like a triumphal march and has never been always a luminous succession of happy events. On the contrary, Romania’s history has been marked by numerous crises and difficult stages, which have often threatened the very lives of the people, our freedom, the identity of communities and the very existence of our state.”
“Our forefathers lived through wars, faced natural disasters, endured famine, survived periods of severe social tension and were victims of the darkest political regimes. Their determination, courage, capacity for sacrifice and will to live in freedom and peace made it possible for them to overcome all these difficult trials, despite almost unimaginable challenges.”
Mr. PREDA said, “Therefore, we owe it to ourselves to preserve and pass to the younger generations, the unvaluable freedom, unity and independence, won at the cost of life by so many generations of our forefathers, and to honour our heroes who restored pride and honour to the Romanian nation.”
“Each year, the anniversary of the Great Union is giving us the opportunity to honour the memory of the sacrifices Romanians made for laying the foundation of the modern Romania, which ultimately placed us in the midst of the great European family.”
“The end of the First World War and the armistice concluded in 1918, represents a crucial moment in the history of mankind causing deep changes both in international relations, and at socio-cultural level.”
He added, “One hundred and five years after the Great Union, Romania reaffirms its attachment to the principles of international law, promotion of mutual respect and good understanding, to dialogue and to multiculturalism, values that are the basis of its international profile and external action. Today, Romania is a security provider and enjoys unprecedented development, security and welfare. Our collective duty is to protect these values and secure them in the medium and long term, as well to prepare for challenges ahead.”
National Day has a special significance for Romania’s diplomatic missions and consular offices, contributing to the promotion of Romanian cultural identity and the development of ties with Romanian communities in host countries.
On bilateral relations, Charge d’ Affaires noted, “Romania and Pakistan enjoy very good bilateral relations and Pakistan represents an important partner for Romania in the South Asian region. We acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts in fighting terrorism, militancy and radical extremism and hope that these endeavours will continue to be an important part of international war on terror.
He said, “We are eager to work hard for taking forward the bilateral agenda, as well as the cooperation within the EU-Pakistan framework and in multilateral formats, especially in the UN.Moreover, we are engaged to improve the current status of Romania-Pakistan relations, characterized by friendship and collaboration and the new dynamism witnessed in the recent years that rendered a fruitful political dialogue, reflecting a clear desire of both states for developing a pragmatic relationship in fields of mutual interests.”
Mr. PREDA concluded his speech with slogans, “Long live Romania! Long live Pakistan! Long live the Romanian-Pakistan friendship! Romania Pakistan dosti zindabad!”