A cultural event titled “From Rabia Balkhi to Hafez Shirazi” was held Oct. 12 in Vienna, organized by Diplomatic Society magazine in cooperation with diplomatic missions of Persian-speaking countries, Khovar reported, citing the Tajik Embassy in Austria.

Manuchehr Jobir, Tajikistan’s ambassador to Austria, highlighted the cultural policy of President Emomali Rahmon during the event.

Jobir said the anniversaries of the 700th anniversary of Hafez Shirazi and the 1,050th anniversary of Rabia Balkhi, regarded as the first Tajik-Persian woman poet, had been included in UNESCO’s calendar of anniversaries through initiatives by the Tajik government. He said the recognition reflected international appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Tajik and Persian peoples.

The event featured readings of poetry by Rabia Balkhi and Hafez Shirazi, a cultural program and traditional cuisine from Persian-speaking countries.