Christian and Muslim religious leaders from the Balkans and the Middle East gathered last week in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to mark the 10th anniversary of the Aqaba Process, an international initiative aimed at promoting interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The international conference, titled “The Aqaba Process – Balkan Interreligious Dialogue,” was held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, near the site of the Baptism of Jesus on the River Jordan. The event was organised by King Abdullah II of Jordan together with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Held under the theme “Bridges Between People: Enhancing Understanding for Peaceful Coexistence,” the meeting brought together a wide range of senior religious leaders.
Representing the Orthodox Churches were Patriarch John X of Antioch, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia, Archbishop John of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, as well as representatives of the Orthodox Churches of Romania, Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
Also attending were the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and leading Muslim figures from the Balkans and the Middle East, Albanian media reported.
Shared Responsibility
Honorary Metropolitan Nifon, Archbishop of Târgoviște and Patriarchal Exarch, represented the Romanian Orthodox Church.
In his address to the conference, Hon Metropolitan Nifon stressed the urgent need to promote peace and religious freedom as foundations of security and coexistence in societies marked by cultural and religious pluralism.
He also highlighted the shared responsibility of religious leaders to affirm the sacred value of human life and to actively contribute to building a culture of dialogue and constructive cooperation.
Toward a Safer Future
Participants discussed practical ways to encourage interreligious dialogue, prevent extremism and strengthen mutual respect among communities, stressing that unity grounded in responsibility and solidarity is key to a safer future for the peoples of the Balkans, the Middle East and Europe more broadly.
As part of the programme, delegations visited the archaeological site traditionally identified as the place of Christ’s Baptism on the Jordan River, as well as other religious landmarks in the area.
Launched a decade ago by King Abdullah II, the Aqaba Process serves as an international platform for promoting interethnic and interreligious peace. According to the official website of King Abdullah II, the initiative aims to improve coordination, cooperation and the exchange of expertise among regional and international partners in efforts to counter extremism.
Photo: Târgoviște Archdiocese
