Catholicos of All Armenians Hosted the King of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
12.02.2020
On February 11, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; hosted His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who is in Armenia on an official visit.
Welcoming the visit of the King of Jordan to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness expressed hope that this visit will strengthen the relations between the two countries, contributing to further close cooperation.
The Pontiff of All Armenians affirmed with joy the caring attitude of the Jordanian authorities towards the Armenian community and the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem as the best manifestation of friendly relationships. In this regard, His Holiness also emphasized that being awarded the highest order of Jordan in 2000, during his visit to Jordan at the time of his pilgrimage to the sanctuaries in Jerusalem, is also a sign of that attitude and respect towards the Armenian people.
During the conversation, the Pontiff of All Armenians noted with gratitude that the Armenian children who survived the Genocide could regain their normal life in Jordan, contributing to the progress of the country with their hope and optimism towards the future.
Reflecting on the great Armenian Diaspora, formed on the basis of historical circumstances, and the reality of living together with people of different cultures and religions, His Holiness also emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the spiritual leaders of different countries to keep the societies far from the abuses of religious feelings, as well as from conflicts and manifestations of intolerance on that basis. From this point of view, the Catholicos of All Armenians noted that the relationship between Armenia and Jordan, and the life of the Armenian community of Jordan, can be the best example of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence for many nations in the building of relations between Christianity and Islam, or indeed any other religions.
In his turn, His Majesty Abdullah II expressed joy at the meeting, speaking in particular about the relations between the Christian and Islamic people and, in this regard, the beliefs of his ancestors.
Reflecting on the important role of the Armenian community in Jordan and the countries of the Middle East, King Abdullah II expressed hope that the development of ties with Armenia will also strengthen the Armenian community of Jordan. The King of Jordan also reaffirmed his readiness to continue to support the Armenian Church and the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
His Majesty noted that Armenia and Jordan have many opportunities for cooperation, and in the frame of development of these relations, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan looks towards the next century.
King Abdullah II also expressed concern about the situation in the Middle East, the problem of the decrease in the Christian presence and, in particular, about the Armenian community in Syria, expressing readiness to provide necessary support for the preservation of the Armenian Christian presence.
On this occasion, the Catholicos of All Armenians wished with gratitude that God bless all peaceful efforts for the sake of a stable and harmonious life.
In conclusion, the Pontiff of All Armenians wished the King of Jordan a fruitful enthronement in honor of the progress of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the prosperous life of the Jordanian people.
