Pakistan Embassy in Turkey holds mango festival

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA (AA) - A festival celebrating Pakistani mangos was held in Ankara on Wednesday evening.

Several varieties of mangos were flown in from Pakistan for the festival organized by the Pakistani Embassy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the festival, Pakistan's ambassador in Ankara, Sohail Mahmood, said mango was the “king of fruits”.

Mahmood said Pakistani mangos were known in Turkey, but not available on a regular basis. Therefore, they want to popularize Pakistani mangos, and facilitate their availability in Turkish markets, he added.

He said Pakistan was the fifth largest producer of mangos, out of over 100 countries, with a production of 1.8 million tons per year.

Mahmood added that Pakistan was the sixth largest exporter of mangos. In total, 57 countries receive Pakistani.

"But, [...], Pakistani mangos are Number One in the world in taste," Mahmood stressed.

Mahmood also said his term as ambassador in Turkey would soon end.

"I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our friends who have supported us throughout our stay, and enriched our experience in this exceptionally fraternal country," he said.

Meanwhile, Turkish Deputy EU Minister Ali Sahin recommended that everyone go to Pakistan and witness the "magnificent hospitality" of Pakistanis.

He also praised Ambassador Mahmood for his work in Turkey and said: "In our relations with Mr. Mahmood, we found more than an ambassador, we found a friend."

Ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party Van deputy and former Turkey-Pakistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group chairman, Burhan Kayaturk, Anadolu Agency Deputy Director General and Editor-in-Chief Metin Mutanoglu were also in attendance.