WASHINGTON: The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC hosted its annual Mango Festival, attracting a large crowd from diverse backgrounds.
According to a press release from the embassy on Friday, the gathering was attended by diplomats, US government officials, congressional staffers, members of think tanks, media representatives, and members of the Pakistani-American diaspora.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh highlighted the significance of mangoes in Pakistani culture and society, referring to them as the best mangoes in the world. Pakistan, he said, is the sixth-largest producer globally, with an annual cultivation of approximately 1.8 million metric tons.
“Today, we bring to you the savory, succulent sweetness of the Pakistan-U.S. partnership, a taste that has defined our friendship for the past 78 years,” said Ambassador Sheikh. He noted the renewed strength in bilateral relations, adding, “we foresee with this new administration since January, the revival of that sweetness.”
“Pakistan is home to one of the most ancient civilisations on Earth, and we are conscious of our strategic significance and responsibility,” he remarked, underscoring the nation’s potential to be a positive influence at the regional and global stage.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC brought the sweetest taste of the country to the US by hosting a lively Mango Festival showcasing the ‘King of Fruits’, Pakistan’s world-renowned mangoes known for their savory sweetness & flavor. A large, enthusiastic crowd, including… pic.twitter.com/VLJ0FoWyLN
— Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) July 11, 2025
Speaking at the occasion, Mary Bischoping, Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, said for decades, the United States and Pakistan have worked together to address some of the world’s most critical issues. “Looking forward, we are poised to continue to grow our cooperation across a range of shared interests,” she said.
Ms. Bischoping also welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives to enhance trade and investment and affirmed the U.S. commitment to economic cooperation. “We hope to expand mutually beneficial trade and commercial opportunities, especially in Pakistan’s growing critical mineral sector,” she said.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC brought the sweetest taste of the country to the US by hosting a lively Mango Festival showcasing the ‘King of Fruits’, Pakistan’s world-renowned mangoes known for their savory sweetness & flavor. A large, enthusiastic crowd, including… pic.twitter.com/VLJ0FoWyLN
— Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) July 11, 2025
The Deputy Assistant Secretary also underscored the significant contributions of the Pakistani-American community. “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.
Guests at the festival enjoyed a selection of fresh, premium-quality Pakistani mangoes along with a variety of mango-inspired culinary delights, accompanied by live performances and the melodious tunes on sitar, according to the press release.
