ISLAMABAD: National Security Adviser Lt General Nasser Khan Janjua has reiterated that Pakistan is determined to defeat the menace of terrorism for a brighter future. He was talking to Romanian Ambassador Nicolaie Goia who called on him in Islamabad on Friday. While discussing the prospects of regional connectivity, the NSA told the ambassador that Pakistan was an exceedingly important country not only for the region but for the world at large. “The connectivity potential of Pakistan is unique and immense. Pakistan is a country of the future from which whole of the world will benefit. The participation of Romania in this connectivity will also bring Pakistan and Romania closer to each other,” he added. The NSA briefed the ambassador on regional security situation with particular reference to Afghanistan and reiterated that Pakistan and its people were determined to defeat the menace of terrorism to embrace a brighter future. General Nasser Khan Janjua warmly received the guest and said that Romania was a great country with a rich history. “Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Romania and considers the country as an important member of the European Union,” he said. Discussing the regional security environment, the envoy applauded Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability. “We understand that Pakistan is caught in a complex security situation and is facing multidimensional challenges,” he commented. Besides the promotion of bilateral relations, matters pertaining to regional security situation and regional connectivity came under discussion. The envoy traced the history of Pakistan Romania relations and said that ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964, both the nations have come very close to each other. “Romania considers Pakistan as a credible and responsible country and supports Pakistan at every international forum including GSP Plus status which has increased Pakistan’s exports to the EU by more than 30 percent. In addition, both the countries share the commonality of opinion on regional and international issues. The two countries have longstanding cooperation in political, economic, defense, cultural fields and people-to-people contacts. We, however, need to increase our trade and strengthen the economic dimension of our relationship,” he added. Published in Daily Times, February 25th 2018.