KEY POINTS
- The Embassy of Romania in Pakistan launches the first-ever Romanian Culture Days.
- Events will be held across Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar, featuring opera, ballet, photo exhibitions, and more.
- A Romanian Language Lectorate will be inaugurated at NUML to teach the Romanian language and cultural heritage to Pakistani students.
- Romania will donate a collection of literature and history books to enrich Pakistan’s academic and cultural landscape.
ISLAMABAD: In a bid to foster deeper connections and mutual understanding, the Embassy of Romania in Pakistan has launched the first-ever Romanian Culture Days, a celebration that showcases the rich heritage, art, and history of Romania.
The month-long festival, which kicked off on Saturday, marks a significant step in cultural diplomacy aimed at promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The festivities are set to take place across Islamabad, Karachi, and Peshawar throughout November, offering a series of performances, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.
The event is being held to commemorate 61 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Pakistan, which have flourished on the foundation of mutual respect and cooperation.
Bridging the Cultural Gap
The Romanian Culture Days launched in Karachi with an early celebration of Romania’s National Day. A major highlight of the event is a photo exhibition presented by the Romanian National Archives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, showcasing the visual history of Romanian-Pakistani diplomatic ties.
This exhibition traces the significant milestones in the relationship, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolving cooperation between the two countries over the last six decades.
The exhibition will travel to Islamabad and Peshawar later in the month, inviting more Pakistanis to engage with the rich shared history.
In addition to the exhibition, the event series has a strong emphasis on performing arts, with Romanian opera and ballet taking centre stage. Renowned soprano Georgiana Costea Gluga is set to perform at the World Culture Festival in Karachi on November 4, followed by an opera workshop and Romanian film screenings at the Arts Council of Pakistan on November 5.
These performances are part of Romania’s initiative to use culture as a tool for fostering artistic exchange and diplomatic relations.
Furthermore, the Ballet Beyond Borders troupe will showcase a dynamic dance performance that highlights artistic excellence and cultural collaboration. This performance emphasizes the role of the arts in strengthening the ties between nations, with dance as a universal language of expression.
Promoting Education and Cultural Diplomacy
As part of its broader commitment to education and cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of Romania will also donate an extensive collection of Romanian literature, art, and history books to the National Library of Pakistan and the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad.
These donations are part of Romania’s continued effort to enrich Pakistan’s academic and cultural landscape.
The Romanian Language Lectorate will be inaugurated at NUML later this month. This initiative, funded by the Romanian state through the Romanian Language Institute and the Ministry of Education and Research, will allow Pakistani students to learn the Romanian language and explore the country’s cultural, artistic, and cinematic heritage.
Professor Dr. Oana Ursache, who will lead the lectorate, will also deliver a special lecture dedicated to Queen Marie of Romania, honoring her legacy and influence as a diplomat and cultural figure. The lecture will be accompanied by a screening of the documentary “Marie: Heart of Romania”, which explores the life and political impact of the queen.
Cinematic Showcase
Film enthusiasts will also have the chance to experience Romanian cinema as part of the European Film Festival. On November 15, the award-winning Romanian film “The New Year That Never Came” (Anul Nou care n-a fost) will be screened at the Karachi Film School.
This powerful historical tragicomedy, directed by Bogdan Muresanu, is set in the final days of 1989 Romania during the fall of the communist regime. The film highlights the struggles and hopes of ordinary people during a time of profound social and political change.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The Embassy of Romania reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations between Romania and Pakistan, built over decades of friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual cooperation. The Romanian Culture Days are not just a celebration of Romanian heritage but also an opportunity to forge new paths for collaboration in fields such as education, arts, and tourism.
As the Romanian ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Nicolae-Florin Fătu, stated: “Cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in deepening bilateral ties. By sharing Romania’s cultural treasures, we aim to foster a greater understanding between our two peoples and open doors for future collaborations.”
The event series, which is being organized in partnership with the Romanian Cultural Institute, the Romanian Language Institute, the Romanian National Archives, the Pakistan-Romania Business Council, and the Pakistan-Romania Friendship Association, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both nations, as they continue to build stronger, more vibrant relations based on shared cultural experiences.
