His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al Rahi.

During the meeting, King Abdullah emphasised the strong bonds between Jordan and Lebanon and the need to further boost relations.

The King also underlined that Arab Christians are a genuine part of Arab-Islamic civilisation, adding "we should all work together to boost Christian presence and curb the migration of Christians, particularly from Palestine and other Arab countries witnessing instability."

His Majesty and the head of the Maronite Catholic Church called for upholding the values of tolerance, dialogue and understanding among adherents of various faiths "in a manner to enhance global peace and stability." Patriarch al-Rahi, on his first visit to Jordan since he took over after the resignation of his predecessor Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir in March, 2011, commended Jordan's firm support for Lebanon's unity and sovereignty.

He conveyed to the King the greetings of Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and praised the spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in Jordan.

The patriarch said the "Jordanian spring" is a model in the region, adding that Jordan, under King Abdullah, had become a symbol of progress and prosperity, and expressing regret for the violence taking place in some Arab countries.

Speaking to reporters after the encounter, the patriarch pointed to the model pluralism and Muslim-Christian coexistence in the Kingdom. He noted the Kingdom's donation of a plot of land to build a Maronite church in Amman and the King's donation of another plot of land at the Jordan Valley Baptism Site, where the cornerstone had been laid for the Mar Maroon Church.