The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington hosts the annual Mango Festival

The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington hosted its annual Mango Festival, a flagship cultural event that attracted hundreds of Americans, members of the US administration, lawmakers and their staff, diplomats, the think tank community, and the Pakistani-American community.

According to a press release issued Friday by the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, guests experienced Pakistani culture and cuisine, with the aroma of ripe mangoes as a central part of the celebration.

The event featured Pakistani mango varieties including Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol and Sindhri. The embassy said the mangoes were served in creative shapes, spices and drinks along with cultural performances, traditional music and displays of Pakistan’s heritage, it added.

Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and former US Navy SEAL, addressed the gathering, the embassy said.

“The relationship between the United States government and Pakistan, in my opinion, has never been better, ever,” said Congressman Zinke.

“Our relationship as countries, as people, I don’t think has ever been better,” Representative Zinke said.

Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, welcoming guests to the annual event, described Pakistani mangoes as “the fruit of passion that symbolizes deeper ties,” according to the press release.

“Pakistani mango,” said the ambassador, “is second to none. It stands out in terms of taste”.

“As an undeniable demonstration of our defense and diplomatic capabilities, the taste of our mangoes is also a testimony to our agricultural tradition and skill,” the ambassador said.

“Today, let’s celebrate the best of Pakistan’s flavor … the flavor of friendship that is deepening between our two countries,” the ambassador said.

The ambassador also invited guests to experience Pakistani cultural performances and the “Dhol” drum outside, it added.

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The statement further added that a special video was played during the event featuring a cultural fusion project recreating the US national anthem in traditional Pakistani musical styles.

“The project was produced as a tribute from the Pakistani-American community; it blends American patriotism with Pakistan’s rich melodic heritage to mark two major milestones, the 250th anniversary of American independence and 79 years of diplomatic friendship between the United States and Pakistan,” the statement added.

The embassy said, “The Mango Festival underscores people-to-people ties and the growing economic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States”. It added that attendees left with memories of the taste, aromas and camaraderie associated with the annual celebration.