Brussels, 08/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - The vice-president of the Commission, Margot Wallström, is to be in Turkey from 7 to 9 March to discuss the situation of women there. “My main objective during this visit is to highlight the need to strengthen dialogue between the EU institutions and civil society, on one hand, and the Turkish society, on the other”, said Ms Wallström who felt that “this visit is the first of its kind for the Commission, aimed specifically at heightening awareness of women's rights and of the role of women in society and at work”. The visit, which comes under the sign of mutual understanding, coincides with International Women's Day, on 8 March. The schedule for Ms Wallström's visit includes meetings with Abdullah Gül, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister; Abdüllatif Sener, Deputy Prime Minister; and Ali Babaçan, Minister for the Economy and Chief Negotiator with the EU. The commissioner for institutional relations and communication strategy will also be taking part in a seminar on women's rights with academics, NGOs and students from the Bilgi University of Istanbul, and is to visit a social centre for women and children in Tarlabasi. (ab)