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The Embassy of Pakistan hosted its annual Mango Festival on Thursday, attracting a large crowd to experience “king of fruits.” The event was part of the embassy’s public outreach efforts.
According to a press release, the gathering included diplomats, U.S. government officials, congressional staff, think-tank members, journalists, and members of the Pakistani-American community.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh welcomed guests and highlighted the cultural importance of mangoes in Pakistan. He proudly referred to them as “the best mangoes in the world,” noting that Pakistan is the sixth-largest producer globally, growing around 1.8 million metric tons annually.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Mary Bischoping from the U.S. State Department praised Ambassador Sheikh for his role in strengthening U.S.-Pakistan ties. She emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the two countries and expressed hope for expanded collaboration, particularly in trade and investment.
“We hope to expand mutually beneficial trade and commercial opportunities, especially in Pakistan’s growing critical mineral sector,” she said.
Bischoping also recognized the contributions of over 700,000 Pakistani-Americans, calling them an “invaluable” part of American society.
“In the United States today, over 700,000 hardworking Pakistani-Americans are invaluable members of American society. Our work at the State Department directly benefits from the patriotism, talent, and passion of this community”, she said.
The Mango Festival offered guests a taste of Pakistan’s famous mango varieties and served as a symbol of cultural exchange and friendship between the two nations.
