Cairo: Head of the Jordanian parliamentary delegation, MP Wasfi Haddad, reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to promoting tolerance, peace, coexistence, and interfaith dialogue during the General Secretariat meeting of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) held at the Egyptian Parliament in Cairo.
According to Jordan News Agency, Haddad highlighted Jordan’s historical role under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem within the framework of the Hashemite Custodianship, which safeguards the religious and historical identity of the Holy City. He reiterated Jordan’s steadfast stance against Israeli violations in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories, as well as the ongoing aggression against Gaza. Haddad emphasized King Abdullah II’s Three No’s: No to displacement; No to resettlement; No to an alternative homeland.
Haddad described Jordan as the land of religions and peace, inviting Christians worldwide to visit five Christian pilgrimage sites in Jordan, officially recognized by the Vatican, including Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Baptism Site), Mount Nebo, Machaerus, Our Lady of the Mountain Church, and Mar Elias (Elijah’s Hill) in Ajloun.
Jordanian MPs Jamal Qamouh, Hael Ayash, Jihad Abouei, Eyad Jebrin, and Rand Al-Khuzouz emphasized Jordan’s key role in defending the sanctity of Jerusalem and the need to counter any attempts to alter its identity. They called for supporting Palestinian rights, particularly the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Haddad expressed Jordan’s readiness to host the IAO General Assembly, reflecting the Jordanian Parliament’s commitment to strengthening international parliamentary dialogue. The proposal was warmly welcomed, with the IAO President praising Jordan’s efforts in promoting peace and safeguarding holy sites.