Jordanian King Abdullah II on Tuesday expressed pride at Muslims and Christians living together in a spirit of brotherhood in Jordan, a model that is unique in the Middle East, the Petra News Agency reported.
During a meeting with heads of Christian communities in the Eastern churches in neighboring countries and representatives of International Christian organizations at Al-Husseiniya Palace, Abdullah stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue between the followers of religions to maximize the common bonds and promote values of tolerance and moderation, as an approach shared by all.
The king asserted that Arab Christians are an integral part of the Arab Islamic civilization, and they had a key role in the region's past and present and will continue to have in future, too.
The monarch urged the Christian leaders to support the bonds of love, peace, brotherhood, tolerance, acceptance of others, co-existence between different cultures and religions and their followers, and build bridges of dialogue between East and West.
The King stressed the need for concerted efforts on the part of all parties and full cooperation to face the challenges posed by fanatical, terrorist and hateful ideas, which have nothing to do with any of the divine religions.
The King warned of displacement targeting Arab Christians in neighboring countries, stressing the significant role played by Arab Christians in building the Arab-Islamic civilization throughout history, and their valuable contributions.
He also pointed to the implications of the violations being committed in the city of Al-Quds , and the threats that Islamic and Christian sanctities are exposed to, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as a result of the repeated Israeli violations.
Christian leaders expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty the King to consolidate world peace, work towards convergence of views between the followers of different religions, and promoting dialogue, tolerance and brotherhood among them.