By: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
ISLAMABAD: In a major boost to bilateral academic and cultural relations, the Embassy of Romania in Pakistan, under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu, has facilitated the launch of the first-ever Romanian Studies Program in Pakistan at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad. The pioneering initiative has been developed in collaboration with the Institute of the Romanian Language (IRL).
The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at NUML and was attended by NUML Rector Maj. Gen. Shahid Mahmood Kayani, senior university officials, faculty members, representatives of the Romanian diaspora, and members of the diplomatic community. With this milestone, NUML becomes the first higher education institution in Pakistan to offer structured courses in the Romanian language, further strengthening its position as a leading center for multilingual and interdisciplinary studies.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu described the program as a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy and academic exchange. “Today, we are not merely launching a language course; we are opening a lasting bridge of understanding between Romania and Pakistan,” he said. He emphasized that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, academic cooperation, and mutual respect between the two nations.
The Romanian Studies Program is designed as a comprehensive academic platform, combining language instruction with studies in Romanian literature, history, translation, and cultural theory. The curriculum aims to place Romania within wider European and global contexts while encouraging scholarly engagement from a South Asian perspective.
To strengthen the program’s academic resources, the Embassy of Romania—supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute (RCR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania—donated an extensive collection of books on Romanian culture, history, art, and civilization to NUML’s library.
The program will be coordinated by Dr. Oana Ursache, a distinguished philologist and former Secretary of State at the Department for Romanians Abroad, who brings wide-ranging international teaching and research experience. Under her leadership, the initiative is expected to expand into a Center of Romanian Studies, fostering research collaboration, student exchanges, and intercultural projects.
This landmark development highlights the Embassy of Romania’s proactive role in strengthening Romania–Pakistan relations through education and culture. By providing Pakistani students with access to Romanian language and heritage, the program lays the foundation for deeper people-to-people connections, enhanced academic cooperation, and sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
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