ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Friday launched ‘mango diplomacy’ to project Pakistan’s king of fruits at global level with the aim to promote country’s soft image besides enhancing mango exports.
Speaking at the festival, he said Pakistani mangoes are the best and the sweetest ones in the world. He called for working together with the international community to ensure that all citizens of the global community can have access to this treasure of Pakistani mangoes.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that soon after assuming office of the Foreign Minister, his focus was on the mango diplomacy. He also sought support and guidance of the diplomatic community, present on the occasion, in order to meet the safety and hygiene requirements they want. Pakistan produces over 200 varieties of mangoes. Various mango varieties, including Chanusa, Sindhri, Anwar Ratol and Dussehri were displayed in the festival. This was part of the series of activities and events being organised throughout the year to commemorate 75 years of Pakistan's Independence - Pakistan’s Diamond jubilee.
Under the theme of `Pakistan at 75 and ‘75thPayKuchKhaas”, the event focused on projecting Pakistan’s culinary and agrarian richness linked to production of more than 200 varieties of mangoes-“king of fruits” that are exported all over the world.
The foreign minister highlighted the significance of the festival as part of the events celebrating the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence. It was highlighted that Pakistan’s missions abroad were organizing mango tasting festivals in their host countries and showcasing the variety and richness of the Pakistani mangoes.
The event was attended by over 300 persons that included members of the Diplomatic Corps, Business Executives, Bureau Chiefs of Local and Foreign Publications, Representatives of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association, and officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Embassies of China and UAE also set up stalls offering mango based dishes from their own cuisine.
The guests were served with different varieties of freshly cut mangoes, salads, milkshake, lassi, chuttnis, pickles, desserts and ice cream. The participants appreciated the different mango varieties on display as well as the mango-based cuisine offered to the guests. This event showcased the potential of Pakistani mangoes as a popular fruit not only in Pakistan but in the international market as well.
