His Majesty King Abdullah received a delegation of church leaders and representatives from Jerusalem, led by Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem, All Palestine and Jordan Theophilos III, on Tuesday at Al Husseiniya Palace.

At the meeting, King Abdullah affirmed Jordan's steadfast position in supporting the perseverance of churches in Jerusalem, safeguarding their holy sites, and protecting Christian presence in the holy land.

His Majesty underlined Jordan's unwavering position in preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, which respects coexistence and churches' authority over their property.

The King added at the meeting-attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammed, His Majesty's chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy-that promoting Jerusalem as an interfaith, human rights, or security issue should not undermine the just right that East Jerusalem is the capital of the Palestinian state.

The King also expressed his best wishes to the delegates on the occasion of Easter, which falls on 8 April.

For their part the church leaders and representatives from Jerusalem expressed their deep appreciation of His Majesty's role in supporting the Christian community in the region, especially in the holy city.

They said this support bolsters their steadfastness and enables them to safeguard church property and counter the challenges caused by Israeli measures.

The delegates commended the King's efforts that led to reopening the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, after Israel suspended a bill to tax church property, noting that His Majesty's defence of religious freedom and the status quo in Jerusalem have been crucial in the ongoing attempts to protect Christian presence in the holy city.

They also affirmed the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which is an embodiment of the historical role of the Hashemites and the King in safeguarding and defending these holy places.

The church leaders and representatives from Jerusalem conveyed the greetings of Jerusalemites to His Majesty, thanking Jordan and the King for the ongoing support to preserve the Arab character of the city and ensure the steadfastness of its people.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, and Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas attended the meeting.