Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia urged religious leaders to deepen interfaith cooperation during the international conference “Aqaba Process — Balkan Interreligious Dialogue,” held on 9 December at the Baptism Site of Jesus in Bethany beyond the Jordan, the Serbian Orthodox Church reported.

The forum marked the tenth anniversary of King Abdullah II of Jordan’s peace initiative and focused on strengthening collaboration among religious communities amid ongoing regional instability. The gathering brought together the Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Antioch, religious leaders from the Middle East and the Balkans, and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

In his address, Patriarch Porfirije highlighted the spiritual significance of the location and stressed that genuine faith must serve reconciliation. “We know that true peace is a gift of God, born in the heart of a person who lives by the commandments of love. Where there is no love, peace cannot take root,” he said.

He noted that the Balkans understand how easily religion can be portrayed as part of the problem, yet “know even better that it must be part of the solution.” Building trust and promoting dialogue, he emphasized, is not a political project but a natural mission of the Church.

Drawing on Balkan experience, the Serbian Patriarch underlined that what unites people is always stronger than what divides them. Participants agreed that dialogue and mutual respect are essential for sustaining peace in both the Middle East and Europe.

The conference concluded with a time of prayer. After the session, Patriarch Porfirije, together with Patriarchs Theophilos and John, visited the Cathedral of the Metropolis of Philadelphia in Amman, where they were welcomed at a ceremonial reception.