His Majesty King Abdullah received at Al Husseiniya Palace on Wednesday, Pierre Batista Pizzaballa, who was appointed by Pope Francis as Apostolic Administrator of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

At the meeting, which was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, His Majesty's Chief Advisor for Religious and Cultural Affairs and the King's Personal Envoy, King Abdullah said that Christians are an integral part of this region. The King also pointed to the role and contribution of Christians in preserving holy sites in Jerusalem, adding that this requires more efforts to protect their presence and preserve their identity.

His Majesty highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue among followers of various faiths in order to enhance the values of tolerance and coexistence. The King also expressed appreciation of efforts exerted by Pope Francis in this regard.

Father Pizzaballa praised efforts of His Majesty to enhance global peace and security, dialogue as well as tolerance and respect among peoples.