Latin Patrirachal Vicar for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal has welcomed Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, minister of tourism and antiquities of Palestine, and the accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, which was characterized by an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation in the field of religious tourism, as well as the support that the Church could provide to resuscitate this vital sector, which represents an important contributor to the Palestinian economy.

During the meeting, Bishop Twal stressed that the Holy Land is a land for everyone, affirming that the doors of the Diocese are open to all pilgrims and visitors, regardless of their religious or national affiliations, and that its mission is based on common living, openness, and welcoming all those who come to this blessed land.

He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted by the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to uphold the tourism sector, noting the Diocese’s continued readiness to cooperate with all official and civil society parties in ways that serve the Palestinian cause, as well as support the shared tourism and pilgrimage procession.

For his part, Hayek praised the role played by the Diocese in supporting religious tourism and preserving the Christian character of the Holy Land. He also highly valued the meeting and the issues discussed, which contribute to the development of this sector.