AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah II Sunday met at Al Husseiniyeh Palace with Christian leaders on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year.
The King said the occasion embodies the values of compassion, tolerance and love among Muslims and Christians in the Kingdom, adding: "Thank God, Muslims and Christians in the country represent moderation and tolerance".
He said during the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein and HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, the King's personal envoy and adviser for religious and cultural affair, that Christians are an inseparable part of the social fabric and have remarkable achievements in building the nation.
Muslims and Christians in Jordan are one interdependent family working for the country's national interest, progress and prosperity, he said, adding:"We must work together to protect the future of our generations in light of the challenges facing us".
He said Jordan's security and stability depend on its national unity and the respect of the law by all its people.
His Majesty stressed that Jordan will pursue its historic and religious role of safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and the city's Arab identity, based on the Hashemite custodianship of the holy places.
Commenting on the Syrian crisis, King Abdullah said: "It is painful that another year ends with further bloodshed of innocent people, women and children, in Syria". He stressed the need to find a solution to the conflict in 2017 as an international responsibility.
He also spoke about the situation in Iraq and a terrorist bombing at a church in Egypt.
The Christian leaders said they appreciated the King's gesture to welcome them on holy occasions, noting that Jordan is an international model for coexistence.
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and all of Jordan and Palestine said the existence model had turned Jordan into a beacon and an example for tolerance and solidarity, adding: "We are proud to be under Your Majesty's custodianship of all shrines in our beloved holy land, both Christian and Muslim". "This Christmas is important for many people in the diaspora, whose hearts opt for their countries, and who look for help to survive the wars, persecution, violence and exile from their homes", the patriarch said. He praised Jordan's hosting of many of the refugees.
(Petra)
