Addressing an international symposium themed “Role of Women and Families in Eastern and Western Civilizations” in Ankara, director general of Islamic Culture and Relations Organization+s Department for Women Affairs, Seddiqeh Hejazi added that being Muslim is the most important commonality of the two countries which also have many other cultural similarities.

Stating that during her visit to the country, she held talks with officials of Turkish women institutes, she added that they were interested in developing ties with their Iranian counterparts in various social fields such as arts, literature, research and training, IRNA reported.

Commenting on the symposium, Hejazi noted that most societies are witnessing serious blow to the structure of family and the declining role of family. Holding such gatherings, she added, can help improve the status of family in the world.

Three articles by Iranian women were presented at the two-day symposium which was attended by Muslim scholars and sociologists from Turkey, the US, Pakistan, Qatar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, India, Egypt and Malaysia.