On this occasion, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Emad Hijazeen, said: "Jordan has always been, and will remain, an oasis of security and a beacon of peace, stability, moderation, and religious coexistence. The Kingdom is blessed with a number of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites and religious heritage locations in the world, and it continues its role in preserving and protecting this shared human religious and cultural heritage. In light of the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, Jordan continues its steadfast commitment to protecting holy sites and religious heritage in Jordan and Palestine, and to consolidating the values of peace, mutual respect, and interfaith dialogue."
He added: "Today, we proudly launch a cultural and spiritual journey in preparation for commemorating the global anniversary of Saint John the Baptist in 2030, in an initiative that embodies our commitment to preserving our shared heritage and enhancing Jordan's position as a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage and cultural tourism, and a platform for international dialogue."
For his part, the Ambassador of the European Union to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, said: "For years, the European Union has continued to support efforts to preserve and develop historical sites across Jordan, including Machaerus. This project, in particular, seeks to promote sustainable initiatives in the field of cultural heritage and empower civil society organizations to work together to protect and promote this heritage. The EU Delegation's support for this initiative comes as an extension of its commitment to preserving Jordanian cultural heritage and enhancing the role of culture as a lever for sustainable development and community engagement."
This initiative reaffirmed Jordan's position as a meeting point for civilizations, religions, and cultures, and enhanced its presence as a distinguished destination for religious and cultural tourism. It also celebrated the legacy of Saint John the Baptist through one of the most prominent masterpieces of global sacred music, highlighting Jordan's role in promoting the values of peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue in the region and the world.
The event was also held with the support of the Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian, the Goethe-Institut in Jordan, and the Embassy of Hungary in Jordan, as part of the European Union's broader commitment to supporting and promoting Jordanian cultural heritage through initiatives that place local communities at their core and contribute to achieving economic development.
