Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said that Jordan, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is proud to be a model for pluralism, tolerance and moderation.

At a meeting with Maronite Patriarch of Antioch, and head of the Maronite Church Moran Mor Bechara Boutros Al Rahi and the accompanying delegation, Razzaz highlighted the Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem that is a historical duty and responsibility carried out by the Hashemites.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Rajai Muasher, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab, Lebanese Ambassador to Jordan Tracy Chamoun and Prime Ministry secretary Sami Daoud, the premier stressed the strong ties between Jordan and Lebanon as well as keenness to further boost them in various fields.

Razzaz said that Jordan and Lebanon are two of the most affected countries by the Syrian crisis, voicing hope that stability will return to the neighboring country in order to reopen the borders and resume trade movement between Jordan and Lebanon and Syria.

The prime minister said that the establishment of a Maronite church at the Baptism Site will contribute to attracting religious tourists to the area.

Razzaz also spoke about the political and economic challenges facing the region, pointing to efforts exerted by Jordan under His Majesty's leadership to bring about security and stability in the region and find a just solution to the Palestinian issue that leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Jordan, the prime minister said, rejects the ‘Jewish nation-state’ bill as it contravene Jordan's position on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and consolidates discrimination.

Patriarch Al Rahi praised the historic ties between Jordan and Lebanon, relations between the Maronite Church and Jordan in addition to the atmosphere of tolerance that prevails in the Kingdom.

He also voiced the support of the Maronite Church and all churches to the Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.