Jordan is keen to forge closer cooperation with Russia

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday received Kirill I, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia and the accompanying delegation, currently on a visit to the Kingdom within a tour of the region. The King and the patriarch highlighted the importance of enhancing the values of tolerance and dialogue among followers of various religions to spread the message of peace and love across the world. His Majesty pointed to the Amman Message, which was launched by Jordan a few years ago to convey the noble values of tolerance, moderation and dialogue that Islam embraces. He also voiced the Kingdom’s keenness to forge closer cooperation with Russia in various fields. The King said that the opening of the Russian Pilgrims House at the Baptism site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River, contributes to further boosting relations between Jordan and Russia, mainly in the tourism field. Talks at the meeting, which was attended by Director of the King’s Office Imad Fakhoury and Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem, also dealt with the current situation in the region, mainly in Jerusalem. The King warned of the Israeli unilateral measures in Jerusalem that threaten the Islamic and Christian holy sites. He also highlighted the role of the Russian Church in preventing the juadization of the holy city. Patriarch Kirill I hailed the King’s continued efforts to enhance peace in the Middle East and extend bridges of understanding among followers of various religions and peoples. He said Jordan is a model for coexistence in the region that is currently passing through a critical stage. He also hailed Jordan’s role in preserving and protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied Jerusalem. Earlier, Patriarch Kirill visited the Baptism site as well as a number of archaeological and historical sites in the Kingdom.