Cairo, March 18 (Petra) – Head of the Jordanian parliamentary delegation, MP Wasfi Haddad, reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to promoting tolerance, peace, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue during the General Secretariat meeting of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) held at the Egyptian Parliament in Cairo.

In his speech, Haddad highlighted Jordan’s historical role under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem within the framework of the Hashemite Custodianship, which safeguards the religious and historical identity of the Holy City.

He reiterated Jordan’s steadfast stance against Israeli violations in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories, as well as the ongoing aggression against Gaza, emphasizing King Abdullah II’s Three No's: No to displacement; No to resettlement; No to an alternative homeland.

Haddad described Jordan as the land of religions and peace, inviting Christians worldwide to visit five Christian pilgrimage sites in Jordan, officially recognized by the Vatican, including Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Baptism Site), Mount Nebo, Machaerus, Our Lady of the Mountain Church, and Mar Elias (Elijah's Hill) in Ajloun.

Jordan’s Role in Protecting Holy Sites
Jordanian MPs Jamal Qamouh, Hael Ayash, Jihad Abouei, Eyad Jebrin, and Rand Al-Khuzouz emphasized Jordan’s key role in defending the sanctity of Jerusalem and the need to counter any attempts to alter its identity. They called for supporting Palestinian rights, particularly the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Jordan Offers to Host Future IAO General Assembly

Haddad expressed Jordan’s readiness to host the IAO General Assembly, reflecting the Jordanian Parliament’s commitment to strengthening international parliamentary dialogue. The proposal was warmly welcomed, with the IAO President praising Jordan’s efforts in promoting peace and safeguarding holy sites.

Meetings with Egyptian Officials and Religious Leaders

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Jordanian delegation met with Egyptian Speaker of Parliament, Hanafi Gebali, conveying greetings from Jordan’s Speaker, Ahmed Safadi, and reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between Jordan and Egypt.

The delegation also held bilateral discussions with parliamentary representatives from over 25 countries and global religious institutions, including a meeting with Sheikh Ali Gomaa, Egypt’s former Grand Mufti, to explore avenues for political, cultural, and interfaith collaboration.

Additionally, the Jordanian delegation met with Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, where Haddad showcased Jordan’s pioneering interfaith initiatives, such as The Amman Message, the 2007 "A Common Word" initiative, and World Interfaith Harmony Week, adopted by the United Nations upon Jordan’s proposal.

In response, Pope Tawadros II reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians, and commended Jordan’s leadership under King Abdullah II in supporting the Palestinian cause and promoting interfaith dialogue.

//Petra// AF

18/03/2025 22:51:36