King: Australians interested in religious tourism have an opportunity to attend the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus Christ’s baptism

His Majesty King Abdullah II held talks with Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Canberra on Wednesday, discussing ways to strengthen relations between Jordan and Australia and the latest developments in the region.اضافة اعلان

The King expressed his pride in the close bilateral relations, which marked their 50th anniversary last year, stressing the importance of expanding cooperation in education, trade, and private-sector investment in energy, infrastructure, technology and mining.

His Majesty commended Australia’s support for Jordan in vital sectors and its role in supporting the relief efforts of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization in Gaza.

The King highlighted Jordan’s commitment to increasing tourism exchanges between the two countries, pointing to an opportunity to encourage Australians interested in religious tourism to visit Jordan for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus Christ’s baptism in 2030 at the Baptism Site (Al-Maghtas).

On regional developments, His Majesty stressed the need to intensify international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and restore stability to Arab countries and security for their peoples. He praised Australia’s positions in support of achieving regional peace.

The King also warned of the dangers posed by continued Israeli attacks against Palestinians and the Israeli government’s use of the situation in the region as a pretext to impose a new reality in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza.

The talks also addressed developments in Syria and Lebanon and the importance of supporting the security, stability and sovereignty of both countries, as well as their territorial integrity.

For her part, Mostyn affirmed her appreciation for the depth of relations between Australia and Jordan and her commitment to expanding them across various sectors. She commended Jordan’s efforts to promote stability and de-escalation, as well as its humanitarian role.

Upon the King’s arrival at the Australian Government’s headquarters in Canberra, an official welcoming ceremony was held in his honour, and he signed the distinguished visitors’ book.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, Director of the Royal Office Alaa Al-Battayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Australia Janti Qalajoqa.