Islamabad, July 13 (SANA)Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and LabourHind Kabawatsaid Monday that Syria’s participation in the Ninth Ministerial Conference on Women of theOrganization of Islamic Cooperation(OIC) marks an important step in strengthening the country’s international engagement, as the conference entered its second day inPakistan’scapital.

The conference is being held under the theme, “Women’s Social, Economic and Political Empowerment in OIC Member States: Challenges and Opportunities.”

In remarks to Pakistan Television, published by the ministry on its Telegram channel on Monday, Kabawat said Pakistan’s hosting of the conference sends a clear message about the importance of joint action in addressing humanitarian and development challenges.

She said Syria’s participation provides an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise with representatives of participating countries, noting that the shared vision and common principles between Syria and Pakistan create prospects for expanding cooperation across a number of areas.

Kabawat said Syria’s participation carries special significance as it is the country’s first attendance at the conference since 2012, adding that, following thecountry’s liberation,Syrians are once again able to make their voices heard and participate in international forums.

The minister also paid tribute toSyrian women, particularly those living in refugee and displacement camps, as well as mothers who lost their children during the Syrian revolution, saying Syria’s presence at the conference represents a celebration of the country’s renewed engagement alongside its Pakistani sisters.

The conference opened on Sunday with the participation of ministers and senior officials from OIC member states to discuss ways to advance women’s social, economic and political empowerment and address the challenges facing women across theIslamic world.