Jordan’s King Abdullah II has urged the preservation of the Christian presence in the Middle East and called for renewed efforts to restore regional stability during a meeting with Orthodox Church leaders in Amman. The talks, reported by Arab News, took place at the Al Husseiniya Palace and brought together Patriarch John X of Antioch, Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III, Crown Prince Hussein, and senior royal advisers.

King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s historic role as custodian of Christian and Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, emphasizing that any attempts to alter the established status of these sacred places are unacceptable. He also stressed the need to uphold agreements aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid deliveries, and prevent further escalation in the West Bank.

On the same day, the three Patriarchs held additional discussions at the Amman Metropolis of the Jerusalem Church. Patriarch John and Patriarch Porfirije arrived in Jordan to participate in the international conference “The Aqaba Process — Balkan Interfaith Dialogue,” which focuses on fostering cooperation among religious communities amid ongoing regional instability.

Launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II, the Aqaba Process is an international initiative designed to strengthen collaboration among states and global organizations in combating terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, and radicalization. Its forums address region-specific challenges across the Balkans, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

This year’s conference is expected to gather heads and senior representatives of Orthodox Churches — including Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Patriarch John X of Antioch, and Archbishop Anastasios of Albania — alongside leaders from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities from the Middle East and the Balkans.

The meeting’s theme, “Bridging People: Enhancing Mutual Understanding for Peaceful Coexistence,” aligns closely with the missions of Patriarchs Theophilos and John, who advocate for protecting Christian communities in the region, as well as Patriarch Porfirije’s consistent calls for dialogue and peacebuilding.