Pakistan and Romania pledged greater bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic field, as new windows are opening for the private sector with Romania's membership of European Union and conducive investment climate is available in Pakistan.
These sentiments were expressed on the occasion of 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Romania and Pakistan where National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain was the chief guest at the ceremony hosted by the Romanian Ambassador Professor Dr Emil Ghitulescu.
The messages by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri and Romanian counterpart Mircea Geoana also emphasised the growing closeness not only in diplomatic fields but in the realm of economy, culture and education.
Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain expressed satisfaction over the progress in bilateral relations.
"It is our earnest desire that in keeping with global trends, economic activities should assume centrist age in bilateral relations," the Speaker emphasised.
Pakistan, he added, has achieved macro-economic stability and has opened up all sectors of economy to foreign investment. Both countries have to accelerate the pace of economic interaction and bring private sectors to join hands in joint ventures and such mutually beneficial projects.
Earlier, welcoming the Speaker, the Romanian ambassador spoke of his country's contribution to Pakistan's economic development, particularly setting up of a refinery, cements plants, tractor plant and contribution to Pakistan railways, agriculture and education.
He added the two countries are now embarking into a new era of their cooperation as Romania has developed an intensive and constant activity towards becoming a functioning market economy with the EU accession process.
The macro-economic indicators are placing Romanian economy in a position of valuable partner for or in between European and Asian markets.
In his speech, the ambassador stated that Pakistan has succeeded in implementing and developing conducive climate for business and investment.
Therefore the businessmen of the two countries have favourable conditions to enhance and diversify their commercial relations and economic ties.
Continuing, he said, though the bilateral trade rose by 53 percent last year, it was still not commensurate with the potential.
He expects that the 18th session of the joint economic commission in early next year and the continuing interaction between the newly created Pakistan-Romania Business Forum would further enhance this relationship.
The ambassador added that Romania welcomed all steps made by Pakistan on the road to development, modernisation and democracy and commended its big and efficient efforts in the fight against terrorism.
At the same time, he added, Romania appreciates the new climate of dialogue and cooperation established between Pakistan and India.
He disclosed that following the signing of an agreement between the two countries on fight against illicit traffic of drugs, both were now focussing on an agreement on countering terrorism.