Charge d Affaires of the Romanian Embassy Eduard Preda has said there existed excellent cooperation between Romanian and Pakistan Armed Forces which has developed over the years into a true and mutual partnership. Since there is not enough time to elaborate on the multifaceted and complex character of the cooperation, I will only mention that the Pakistan Navy will soon receive their fourth patrol vessel built at Damen Shipyard Galati, Romania’. Eduard Preda made these remarks while speaking on the occasion of the Romanian Armed Forces Day. Maj. General Kashif Zafar of the Pakistan Army was the chief guest. A large number of guests hailing from various walks of life attended the reception. Mr. Preda further said, these vessels will provide the Pakistan Navy with highly effective search and rescue capabilities that will allow it to play an important role in safeguarding international trade routes from piracy and other threats like drugs and human trafficking or terrorism. He said, Romania will participate in IDEAS 2024, the most important defence exhibition and conference held in Karachi, and in the multinational naval exercise AMAN 2025. These activities will help participants to exchange their knowledge and experience in both the defence industry and maritime domains. He also acknowledged exceptional professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the deep patriotism of its men and women in uniform, the sacrifices they made in fighting terrorism, and their extended presence in multiple international coalitions involved in peace keeping operations and humanitarian assistance, meant to ease the sufferings of the people in different regions of the world. While talking about the significance of the day he said, historically, the 25th of October symbolized the day in which the entire Romanian territory was liberated by the Romanian Army during the Second World War. ‘Today, the Romanian Armed Forces, completely reformed and modernized up to the NATO standards, are assigned to foreign missions, contributing alongside with the allied and partner armies to the common effort of keeping peace and stability worldwide’. As a reliable NATO member state, Romania’s main objective has always been related to building trust and good relationships with other states. He said, Romania stands ready to continue to be a responsible partner and ally to strengthen security in the Black Sea area and fulfil all its responsibilities as a reliable member of the international community. We now stand ready to commit once more to the process of creating a safe, stable, and prosperous world for all of us. ‘As you all know, the security situation in Romania’s region is complex and continuously changing, marked by geopolitical and military challenges. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally and long-term altered the security paradigm in Europe’. The challenges we have to deal with every day, along with the war going on at NATO, EU and Romanian borders, prove that we need, more than ever, to be ready to defend our common values and freedoms and grant security and stability in the region. Ukraine’s security means European and Euro-Atlantic security and Romania stands in full solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine in their heroic defence of their country, helping Ukraine to uphold its fundamental right to self-defence as a response to the Russian Federation’s full-scale, unprovoked and unlawful invasion of Ukraine. Mr Preda further said, the establishment of the F-16 Training Center in Romania in record time required a lot of effort, dedication, and energy. Also, we are very satisfied to see so many Allies and partners interested in taking part in this project. It is a standing proof of what the NATO allies can accomplish together in supporting Ukraine. The F-16 Training Center is now fully operational and Ukrainian pilots are currently participate in training programs. ‘Unfortunately, we are witnessing the multiple security challenges that another neighbour of Romania, the Republic of Moldova, is facing, including destabilization attempts, as part of Russia’s hybrid actions against their European neighbours. Moldova is a part of the European family, and we firmly support its European path. It is crucial for the EU to continue comprehensive support for the security, stability and resilience of the Republic of Moldova’, he concluded.