ANKARA: A large number of Turks on Wednesday got a first-hand experience ofthe taste and aroma of the Pakistani mangoes as they converged here at agathering to feast on a wide spread of mango delights made out offreshly-arrived juicy fruit.
The event here at the Pakistan House was aimed at further popularizingPakistani mangoes in Turkey and facilitating their availability in thelocal market.
The “Pakistan Mango & Food Festival”, organized by the Embassy of Pakistan,coincided with the celebration of the Independence Day of Pakistan.
Key political figures, fruit importers, diplomats and media representativesattended the festival in which the guests were served with fresh mango andmango cuts, and wide-range of mango delicacies such as milk-shake, lassi,ice cream, salad, soufflé, mousse, trifle, tart, pudding, and cake, made offresh mangoes from Pakistan.
Biryani’ made of famous Pakistani Basmati rice was also served at thefestival with selected Pakistani music in the backdrop.
A photographic display of Pakistan’s natural beauty also formed part of theevent.
Ambassador Syrus Sajjad Qazi said Pakistan was the 5th largest producer andthe 6th largest exporter of mangoes.
“For Pakistanis, mango or ‘King of Fruits’ is an integral part of ourhistory and rich culture,” he said, adding there were over 110 varieties ofhigh quality Pakistani mangoes, including Sindhri, Anwar Retaul, Lungra,Malda, Dusehri, Fajri and the most popular Chaunsa.
Ali Sahin, Chairman of Turkey-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group inthe Turkish Parliament, said he first had a taste of mangoes when he was auniversity student in Pakistan.
He congratulated the people of Pakistan on the Independence Day and said14th August was also very important in the Turkish history, as on this day,the Justice & Development Party (AK Party) was established 17 years ago.
He also thanked the leadership of Pakistan on showing strong solidaritywith Turkey during challenging times.