His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday called for further promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence among Muslims and Christians, citing the important role churches play in supporting interfaith dialogue and entrenching the common elements that unite followers of different faiths.

During a meeting with Latin Patriarch of the Holy Land and Jordan Fouad Twal, King Abdullah underlined the need to continue protecting Islamic and Christian sites in the Old City and their Arab identity, calling for standing against Israeli unilateral policies and the pressures they put on the people of Jerusalem.

The King commended Twal’s efforts in preserving the rights of Christians in Jerusalem and spreading love and peace in the region.

For his part, the patriarch praised His Majesty’s continued endeavours to bring about a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, in addition to his support for Christians in Jordan, Palestine and the entire region.