Amman, June 10 (Petra)-His Majesty King Abdullah II on Monday met with Patriarch Kerios Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and all Palestine and Jordan, and bestowed upon him the Supreme Order of the Renaissance medal in recognition of his efforts, and efforts of the patriarchy, in support of Jordan’s constant work to protect the holy sites in Jerusalem.
During the meeting, His Majesty affirmed that Jordan will continue its role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, back the steadfastness of its people and face all Israeli measures aimed at altering the Arab identity of the city.
The King noted that the continuation of Israeli settlement policies undermine chances to achieve peace and efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations based upon the two-state solution to establish an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil within the June 1967 borders.
For his part, Patriarch Theophilos III said Jordan, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, is playing a historical role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites, pointing out that the historical agreement signed by His Majesty and the Palestinian President last March affirms that His Majesty King Abdullah II is the Custodian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.
Also, he praised His Majesty’s relentless efforts to cement security, stability and peace in the region and enhance dialogue and understanding among all religions, cultures and nations.
The meeting was attended by Chief of the Royal Court Fayez Al Tarawneh, Director of His Majesty’s Office Imad Fakhori and Patriarch Benedictos, Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church in Jordan.
//Petra// MA