ISLAMABAD — In a major step toward expanding international avenues for the country’s youth, the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, met with His Excellency Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan, at the Embassy of Romania.

The Chairman was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Dr. Shahbaz Shamsi, Director General of the PMYP, and Muhammad Rauf Raja, Focal Person to the PMYP on Tourism & Hospitality.

The strategic dialogue focused on strengthening Romania–Pakistan cooperation across vital sectors, including youth development, higher education, innovation, entrepreneurship, sports, tourism, and bilateral people-to-people exchanges.

Key Areas of Bilateral Collaboration:

• Academic Partnerships & Youth Mobility: Both sides discussed expanding university exchange programs and scholarship opportunities, allowing Pakistani students and young professionals to gain international exposure in Romania.
• Tourism & Hospitality Cooperation: Led by the insights of focal person Muhammad Rauf Raja, the meeting explored joint ventures to advance Pakistan’s hospitality sector by learning from Romanian tourism models and promoting cross-border travel.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Plans were deliberated to connect young entrepreneurs from both nations, fostering a culture of technological innovation, joint startups, and business mentorship.
• Sports & Cultural Exchanges: The delegation discussed launching collaborative sports initiatives and cultural exchange programs to strengthen ties and mutual understanding between the youth of both countries.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The high-level discussions reaffirmed the strong, longstanding diplomatic friendship between Romania and Pakistan. Both dignitaries expressed a shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations through continuous dialogue and actionable initiatives that directly benefit the next generation.

“Investing in cross-border youth collaboration is essential for building a globalized, skilled workforce. This partnership with Romania will open new doors for our youth in education, technology, and tourism, further strengthening the bond between our two nations,” stated Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan.

Ambassador Dan Stoenescu lauded the proactive initiatives of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and reiterated Romania’s commitment to supporting inclusive development, capacity building, and meaningful opportunities for Pakistani youth.