Over 35 representatives from Arab and European countries are in Malta to take part in a symposium organised by the Arab Women’s Organisation entitled “Arab and Euro Mediterranean Women: Partnership and Development in a Changing World”.

The symposium, which is being held at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, was yesterday opened by Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina, who said she was proud that Malta was chosen to host the event and that she was sure that pertinent points for discussion would arise which would be relevant to all parties.

She said that the event would also help foster better ties between all participating countries.

“Our cultural differences in reality permit us to learn from each other, offering us a glimpse into the understanding and the construction of the social realities in our countries,” said the minister.

Speaking about the theme of the gathering, Mrs Cristina said that certain core values were universal. “Gender equality is one of them and another is the insistence that definitions of femininity should not be imposed on women, but rather that women should be empowered to define and live out their gender identity in a way that fulfils their potential,” said Mrs Cristina.