Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke has described Pakistan-US relations as being at their strongest point, using the much-anticipated annual Mango Festival hosted by Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington DC to offer an unusually emphatic endorsement of the expanding diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Washington.
“The relationship between the United States government and Pakistan, in my opinion, has never been better – ever,” the Montana lawmaker told hundreds of guests gathered at the embassy.
“Our relationship as countries, as people, I don’t think has ever been better,” he added.
Zinke is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including its subcommittee covering the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia. A former US Navy SEAL officer and secretary of the interior during President Donald Trump’s first administration, he is also involved in congressional work on foreign military sales.
In a separate exchange with Daily Times, Zinke gave Pakistan an “A-plus” when asked to assess its recent diplomatic performance, reinforcing the broader message of his remarks to the gathering.
The reception brought together members of the US administration, lawmakers and congressional staff, diplomats, journalists, scholars, think-tank representatives and members of the Pakistani-American community.
Guests spilled through the embassy’s halls and out into the garden as trays of sliced mangoes and mango-based dishes stole the limelight. The steady beat of the traditional dhol pulsed from outside, drawing people toward the courtyard, while music and cultural performances continued inside. The aroma of ripe mangoes filled the reception area as guests moved between food stations, cultural displays and tables presenting different varieties of the fruit.
Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol and Sindhri mangoes were served fresh and used in desserts, drinks and condiments.
The embassy described the reception as one of its flagship public-diplomacy events and said it had drawn hundreds of Americans along with members of Washington’s political, diplomatic and policy communities.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh described the Pakistani mango as a “fruit of passion that symbolises deepening ties” between Pakistan and the United States.
“Pakistani mango is unmatched. It stands out in terms of taste by far,” he said.
“Like an undeniable demonstration of our defence and diplomatic capabilities, the taste of our mangoes is also a testament to our agricultural tradition and prowess,” the ambassador added.
“Let us today celebrate the best of Pakistan’s taste– the taste of friendship that is deepening between our two countries.”
Ambassador Sheikh also invited the guests to attend the cultural performances taking place inside the embassy and listen to the dhol players performing outside.
The programme also featured a specially produced video reimagining the US national anthem through traditional Pakistani musical styles. Produced as a tribute from the Pakistani-American community, the project blended American patriotic symbolism with Pakistan’s melodic traditions.
The embassy noted that the presentation was timed to mark two milestones: the 250th anniversary of American independence and the Pakistan-US relationship entering its 79th year. Guests gathered around screens to watch the video before the musical and cultural performances resumed.
The event came as bilateral commercial exchanges continued to grow. According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, US goods trade with Pakistan reached an estimated $8.7 billion in 2025.
Pakistani mangoes have also been authorised for commercial import into the continental US since 2010, subject to plant-health requirements. US regulations require the fruit to undergo an approved irradiation treatment and to be accompanied by the required phytosanitary documentation.
The festival, according to embassy officials, highlighted Pakistan’s agricultural traditions, cultural heritage and people-to-people ties with the United States.