Shiraz hub of culture, civilization

A number of ambassadors of foreign countries in Iran attending a ceremony dubbed as the Day of Shiraz said that they will introduce the city to the people of their countries as a hub of culture and civilization with many beauties as well as high potentia ls.

Seventy diplomats and envoys of international bodies represented in Iran arrived in the provincial capital of Shiraz on Friday to attend the centenary of establishment of the city"s municipality.

Palestine"s Ambassador to Tehran Salah Zawawi told IRNA that world representatives have gathered here to secure the benefits of their own people by speaking in the common language of friendship based on peace, love and prosperity for a promising future.

Underlining that participation of foreign envoys in the ceremony will lead to further cooperation as well as introduction of Iran"s culture and civilization, he said, "Under the light of unity, attempts to implement various projects through cooperation c an be defined."

For his part, the German Ambassador to Tehran Herbert Honsowitz congratulated on the occasion and expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to visit Shiraz.

The German diplomat praised the initiative of Iranian Foreign Ministry to arrange tours for foreign envoys to various parts of the country as a turning point in introduction of Iran to foreigners.

Honsowitz pointed to Iran and the city of Shiraz as the hub of civilization and culture and the birthplace of prominent figures such as poets Hafez and Saadi.

He hoped to witness the sisterhood pact between Shiraz and the German city of Weimar in the near future.

Meanwhile, head of the foreign ministry"s department in charge of foreign representative offices, Abolfazl Mohammad Alikhani said, "Such visits are in line with the goals set by Iran"s ruling system and government to introduce the country"s potentials an d capacities to foreigners in tourism and culture sectors."

He noted that participation of foreign representatives in such a ceremony is very effective in introducing Iranian culture and the various facilities of Shiraz to their nations.

"Many of the visiting diplomats referred to their tour of Shiraz as memorable and that they intend to introduce the city to their countrymen in future," he added.

Mohammad Alikhani said that this visit prepares the ground for further communication of the Iranian people with other nations.

The ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of foundation of Shiraz municipality was held at the city"s Jahan-Nama Garden on Friday night.