Romania Independence Day celebrated in traditional KP, Romanian colours

The Independence Day of Romania for the year 2026 was celebrated Friday evening in a unique blend of Romanian and Pashtun traditions as Ambassador Dan Stoenescu hosted a vibrant reception themed around Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, showcasing the province’s colours, music, cuisine and cultural heritage alongside Romanian traditions. Held at the ambassador’s residence in Islamabad, the reception brought together a large gathering of ambassadors, diplomats and distinguished guests from Europe, Asia, Africa and international organizations, reflecting the growing cultural and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Romania. Apart from the EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis, French Ambassador Nicolas Galey, other European countries’ heads of missions, UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya, ILO Country Director Geir Thomas Tonstol, Japan Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of South Africa Rudolph Pierre Jordaan, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (R) Fred Senevirathne Chairman Jordan’s ambassador Dr. Maen Khreasat, Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Faisal Zahid Malik, and Ambassador of the Holy See Germano Penemote were among the prominent guests at the reception. The event venue, ambassador’s residence, was decorated in a fusion of Romanian and Pashtun cultural motifs, with traditional attire, regional cuisine and live performances creating a memorable atmosphere. Ambassador Stoenescu credited his honorary consul general in Peshawar and CEO of Peshawar Barracks, Masood Ahmad Qazi, for bringing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa theme to life through a team of chefs, performers and cultural organizers. Guests were welcomed by Ambassador Stoenescu, his deputy Eduard Preda, and members of the Romanian embassy dressed in traditional Romanian and the Pakistani attire, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of both the countries. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Stoenescu said Romanians across the world ce