His Majesty King Abdullah II, during a meeting with Christian religious leaders at Al Husseiniya Palace on Monday, emphasized the importance of restoring stability to the Middle East, and preserving the Christian presence there.

During two meetings with Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, and Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Patriarch of Serbia, Lord Porfirije—which were attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein Ibn Abdullah II—His Majesty underscored the need to stop violations against Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which aim to alter the historical and legal status quo.

The King also reaffirmed Jordan’s continued religious and historical role in safeguarding these holy sites under the Hashemite Custodianship.

The meetings—also attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Ibn Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III—touched on the overall situation in the region, with His Majesty stressing the need for all parties to adhere to the agreement to end the war on Gaza and ensure the flow of aid, as well as halt the dangerous escalations in the West Bank.

Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meetings.