MULTAN, July 26: The aromatic and delicious ‘fruit king’ of Pakistan has seemingly charmed Miss Italy 2004, luring her all the way to Multan, one of the oldest living cities, to witness the launch of the three-day international mango festival held here on Friday night.

The event, part of government’s 'Multan, The Oldest Living City' programme, was jointly inaugurated by Punjab Agriculture Minister Ahmad Ali Aulakh and ambassadors of different countries.

The show is meant to win global recognition for local mangoes.

Envoys of different countries, including Brazilian ambassador Mr Gustov, Italian ambassador Vincizo Proti, Afghanistan’s Mr Anwaar, South Korea’s Fu Kin and of Mexico Byrnadez graced the occasion held at the traditionally decorated Shah Jahan Hall.

A musical and cultural show was also held later in the night.

Miss Italy-2004 Ms Joya said she was delighted at the prospect of having as many mangoes as she wants.

"A special friendship has begun between me, the mangoes and the people of Multan," she said while addressing the ceremony.

Italian ambassador Vincizo Proti said the mango was not only a sweet gift but also a 'symbol of friendship'.

Talking about the city itself, he said that he was greatly impressed by the archaic grandeur of the mausoleums of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya and Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam.

He lauded the officials for holding the event, displaying 450 varieties of the fruit, and offered every assistance in introducing and promoting Pakistani mango in Italian markets.

A painting exhibition depicting ancient buildings and monuments of Rome and Multan was also part of the event, besides an exhibition titled 'Rome and Prague in Multan' comprising work of students from Multan College of Arts and National College of Arts, Lahore.

Multan and Rome would be declared twin cities, said officials.

Punjab minister Ahmad Ali Aulakh, city district nazim Mian Faisal Mukhtar, and Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi also spoke on the occasion.—APP