WASHINGTON: The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., hosted a mango festival that attracted strong participation from the Pakistani-American community, U.S. officials, diplomats and guests from various walks of life.
The event featured a wide variety of Pakistani mangoes and mango-based delicacies, showcasing one of Pakistan’s most celebrated agricultural products.
Among the attendees were members of the diplomatic corps, U.S. administration officials, policymakers, think-tank representatives, media professionals, literary figures and members of the Pakistani-American community.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and his wife Lubna Rizwan welcomed the guests.
Addressing the gathering, U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and former Navy SEAL, said Pakistan-U.S. relations were at their strongest point in history, drawing applause from the audience.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said the rich heritage and unique taste of Pakistani mangoes had become a symbol of Pakistan’s identity. He added that the large turnout reflected Pakistan’s growing recognition and popularity in the United States.
He said the sweetness of Pakistani mangoes symbolised the warmth of Pakistan-U.S. friendship and expressed hope that both countries would take practical steps to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and partnership.
