Moldova’s National Day celebrated

Moldova does not have a full embassy in Pakistan but a honorary consulate general in Lahore.

The National Day reception at the Islamabad Serena Hotel was presided over by the honorary consul general, Mian Mehmood, and his wife.

“I believe the Moldovan Consulate emphasises trade relations even more than some of the embassies since they pay more attention to political issues,” said a retired

Pakistani civil servant who frequently attends diplomatic functions.

“The Moldovan consul is himself a successful businessman and has special interest and competence in trade,” he added.

The governors of Punjab and KP - Malik Mohammad Rafique Rajwana and Iqbal Zafar Jhagra - were the chief guests on the occasion.

Hungarian historical event commemorated

Ambassador Istvan Szabo and his wife Emilia welcomed several hundred guests to a reception held at the Serena Hotel to commemorate Hungary’s 60th anniversary of the 1956 revolution and freedom fight.

Rizwan Hussain Pirzada, the federal minister for interprovincial coordination, had been invited as the chief guest.

In his speech, the ambassador gave a brief overview of the country’s history with an emphasis on the time it was under the Soviet control till independence in 1989.

He explained that the hole in the Hungarian flag in the invitation card was a reminder to the symbol used following the 1956 Soviet occupation of the country which stopped the revolution.

A film was screened giving further historical authenticity. A violinist and cultural dancers gave artistic flavour to the event. The Hungarian and Pakistani national anthems were also performed by the artists.

The ambassador said there was expansion to the relations between Hungary and Pakistan with a new Hungarian trade office in Karachi and expansion to the consulate in Lahore.

Several Pakistani delegations have visited Hungary and Hungarians have also come to Pakistan. He also mentioned the educational and cultural exchanges.

The Hungarian cheeses, salamis, liver pate and bread gave a special culinary flavour to the evening.

A Hungarian student, visiting Pakistan for a few weeks under an exchange programme, did not take any food though, saying he was here for a short while and would rather enjoy Pakistani dishes.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2016