Islamabad, Pakistan — In a significant stride for bilateral academic and cultural relations, the Embassy of Romania in Pakistan, under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Dan Stoenescu, has successfully inaugurated the first-ever Romanian Studies program in Pakistan. This pioneering initiative, developed in partnership with the Institute of the Romanian Language (IRL) and hosted by the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad, marks the formal introduction of Romanian language, literature, and cultural studies into Pakistan’s higher education landscape.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at NUML, was attended by a distinguished assembly including NUML Rector Maj. Gen. Shahid Mahmood Kayani, senior university officials, faculty members, representatives of the Romanian diaspora, and members of the diplomatic corps. The establishment of this program positions NUML as the first academic institution in Pakistan to offer structured Romanian language courses, reinforcing its role as a premier hub for multilingual and interdisciplinary education.
Ambassador Stoenescu emphasized the program’s role as a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy and intellectual exchange. “Today, we are not merely launching a language course—we are opening a permanent bridge of understanding between Romania and Pakistan,” he stated. “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to fostering dialogue, enhancing academic collaboration, and deepening mutual respect between our nations and regions.”
The Romanian Studies program is designed as a comprehensive academic platform, integrating language acquisition with studies in literature, history, translation, and cultural theory. It aims to situate Romania within broader European and global contexts while encouraging scholarly engagement with South Asian perspectives.
Mahmood Kayani, joined by distinguished dignitaries of NUML
To support the program’s academic foundation, the Embassy of Romania—with the support of the Romanian Cultural Institute (RCR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania—donated a substantial collection of books on Romanian culture, history, art, and civilization to NUML’s library.
The program will be coordinated by Dr. Oana Ursache, an accomplished philologist and former Secretary of State at the Department for Romanians Abroad, who brings extensive international teaching and research experience to this role. Under her guidance, the initiative is expected to evolve into a Center of Romanian Studies, promoting academic research, student exchanges, and intercultural projects.
This landmark achievement underscores the Embassy of Romania’s proactive and strategic efforts to strengthen Romania-Pakistan relations through education and culture. By enabling Pakistani students to access Romanian language and heritage, the initiative paves the way for enhanced people-to-people ties, academic cooperation, and sustained diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
BY: The Times Union
