British-American mountaineer Vanessa O'Brien visits Pakistan embassy

WASHINGTON: Accomplished mountain climber Vanessa O’Brien, who recently ascended Mount K2, has attended a event in her honour organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington.

Ms. O’Brien, hailed as a friend of Pakistan, became the first American and British woman to successfully summit K2, the second tallest mountain in the world on July 28, 2017.

She led a team of twelve members to the summit on her third attempt, and unfolded among others a Pakistani flag at the summit. She is also the fastest woman to climb the highest peak on every continent.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. O’Brian said that she was “a fan of Pakistan”.

“Pakistan is a beautiful country with rich cultural heritage and with the most hospitable people. A country that has a lot to offer in addition to the fabulous mountains,” she said.

“I was lucky to know the great people and the country of Pakistan during my expedition,” she added.

Pakistan Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, while appreciating Ms. O’Brien’s expression of warm feelings for Pakistan, said that her story and personality is an inspiration for all of us.

He greatly appreciated the perseverance, patience and dedication of Ms. O’Brien during her expedition in scaling K-2 and her friendship with the people of Pakistan.

Ms. O’Brian was invited to speak to the staff of the embassy honouring her friendship with Pakistan.

She presented a flag of Pakistan with her signatures to the Ambassador. The signatures carried the message “From K-2:To Pakistan with Love”.