His Majesty King Abdullah met on Monday with UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and discussed cooperation between Jordan and the UN agency in conserving cultural heritage.

At the meeting, held in New York on the sidelines of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, King Abdullah stressed the important role of UNESCO in safeguarding global heritage sites in danger, including Old Jerusalem.

His Majesty also stressed that Jordan will persist in undertaking its historical and religious role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship.

The King said the subject of Jerusalem must be settled as part of final status issues, noting that it is key to achieving peace in the region.

For her part, Azoulay praised Jordan’s constructive role within UNESCO, especially its efforts on Jerusalem, safeguarding heritage, and promoting science.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, and Jordan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Sima Bahous attended the meeting.