His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday highlighted Jordan as a role model in harmonious living and coexistence.

Speaking at a meeting with members of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah said that Arabs, Muslims and Christians, share the responsibility to face the challenges that have arisen due to regional developments.

His Majesty said Jordanians are proud of the values of love, tolerance and peace that bring them together as a family, noting that Jordan has become a model of conviviality, moderation and coexistence.

The meeting, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Mohammad, the King’s personal envoy and religious affairs adviser, came on the side-lines of the 11th MECC General Assembly, held for the first time in Jordan, the statement said.

During the three-day session that started on Tuesday, MECC members are discussing several topics related to the historic and current condition of Christians in the region and the challenges they face in light of the crises in the Middle East, in addition to the council’s future tasks and services and its role in activating Islamic-Christian dialogue.

King Abdullah said Christians constitute an integral component of the fabric of Arab society, and protecting their rights is the responsibility of all, an issue that Jordan has highlighted in various religious initiatives and conferences, including the “Challenges Facing Arab Christians” conference.

For their part, the members of the MECC commended the Kingdom’s role in boosting coexistence among followers of different religions and promoting interfaith dialogue.

They also praised Jordan’s efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and its role in preserving the Baptism Site and facilitating pilgrimage to it.

The church leaders lauded the Kingdom for continuing to offer a safe haven for refugees who have fled persecution.