Washington:
Pakistan’s embassy hosted his annual Mango festival on Thursday and welcomes a large audience to experience the “King of Fruits” at the event, which was part of the embassy’s public outreach efforts.
The collection included diplomats, US government officials, congregation staff, think tank members, media representatives and the Pakistani-American diaspora, according to a press release of the embassy.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed sheikh highlighted the meaning of mango in the Pakistani culture and society that referred to them as “the best mangoes in the world”.
Pakistan, he said, is the sixth largest producer globally with an annual cultivation of about 1.8 million tonnes.
When he spoke on the occasion, Mary Bischoping, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, thanked Ambassador Sheikh for his continued leadership in strengthening US-Pakistan bilateral conditions.
“For decades, the United States and Pakistan have worked together to tackle some of the world’s most critical questions. If we look forward, we are ready to continue to grow our collaboration across a number of shared interests,” said the Vice President’s secretary.
Ms. Bischoping also welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives to improve trade and investment and confirmed US commitment to economic cooperation. “We hope to expand mutually advantageous trade and commercial opportunities, especially in Pakistan’s growing critical mineral sector,” she said.
Deputy Assistant Secretary also emphasized the significant contributions of Pakistani-American society. “In the United States today, over 700,000 hard-working Pakistani-American is invaluable members of American society. Our work on the Ministry of State takes direct advantage of patriotism, talent and passion in this community,” she said.
