Islamabad: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has described Pakistan’s foreign policy as sweet as mango and is based on the principle of respect for all and enmity towards none.
Pakistan is set to celebrate 75th year of Independence next month and has expedited its efforts to enhance exports through ‘Mango Diplomacy.’
The minister inaugurated the 3-day Mango Festival, an annual event the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised to promote Pakistan’s prized fruit item internationally.
Mango is called “king of fruits” and is in huge demand around the world. It is also considered an effective tool for promotion of the country’s agrarian products besides enhancing the soft image.
Speaking at the festival, Bilawal said Pakistani mangoes are the best and the sweetest 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.
Under the theme of “75th Pay Kuch Khaas,” (Something Special at 75) the event also focused on projecting Pakistan’s culinary and agrarian richness.
200 varieties of mangoes
Pakistan produces more than 200 varieties of mangoes that are exported all over the world.
Varieties of mango that Pakistan produces include Chanusa, Sindhri, Anwar Ratol, Gulabkhas, Neelum, Lal Badshah, Shan-e-Khuda, Langra and Dussehri.
The guests were served with different varieties of freshly cut mangoes, mango salads, mango milkshake, mango lassi, mango chatni (sauce), mango pickles, mango cake, desserts and mango ice cream.
The event also showcased the potential of Pakistani mangoes as a popular fruit not only in Pakistan but in the international market also.
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al Zaabi, Ambassador of Palestine Ahmed Ameen, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy Pang Chunxue, Ambassador of Indonesia Adam Tugio, members of the diplomatic community, foreigners, national and international traders and local businessmen attended the festival in large number.
They enjoyed the sweetness and mellowness of mango and called it a great treasure of Pakistan.
The official Twitter handle of the UAE embassy in Pakistan also shared pictures of Ambassador Al Zaabi and his embassy’s officials meeting Bilawal and visiting various stalls.
Soon after assuming the office of the Foreign Minister, my focus was to promote Pakistan’s soft image across the world, said Bilawal while addressing the ceremony.
The foreign minister highlighted the significance of the festival as part of the events to be celebrated in connection with the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence.
Pakistan’s missions abroad are organizing mango festivals in their host countries and showcasing the variety and richness of the Pakistani mangoes.
