WASHINGTON:
The Pakistan embassy organized its annual mango festival on Thursday, welcoming a great crowd to experience the “King of Fruits” in the event that was part of the public dissemination efforts of the Embassy.
The meeting included diplomats, government officials of the United States, Congress personnel, members of the group of experts, media representatives and the Pakistani-American diaspora, according to a press release from the Embassy.
In his welcoming comments, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the importance of mangoes in Pakistani culture and society that refer to them as “the best mangoes in the world.”
Pakistan, he said, is the sixth largest producer worldwide, with an annual crop of approximately 1.8 million metric tons.
Speaking on the occasion, Mary Bishoping, Deputy Undersecretary (DAS) by the South and Southern Affairs Office of the South and Central, thanked Ambassador Sheikh for his continuous leadership in strengthening the bilateral relationship of the United States-Pakistan.
“For decades, the United States and Pakistan have worked together to address some of the most critical problems in the world. Looking forward, we are ready to continue increasing our cooperation in a variety of shared interests,” said Deputy Undersecretary.
Mrs. Bischoping also welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives to improve trade and investment and affirmed the United States commitment to economic cooperation. “We hope to expand mutually beneficial commercial and commercial opportunities, especially in Pakistan’s growing critical mineral sector,” he said.
The Deputy Secretary also underlined the significant contributions of the Pakistani-American community. “In the United States today, more than 700,000 Pakistani-State workers are invaluable members of American society. Our work in the State Department benefits directly from patriotism, talent and passion of this community,” he said.
