King Hassan hails Pope's efforts for peace and co-existence

King Hassan II hailed, in a congratulations message to Pope Jean Paul on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his name-day, the pope's efforts for peace, co-existence and dialogue between peoples.

The king expressed high esteem for the pope's ceaseless efforts at the service of peace, consolidation of harmonious co-existence between peoples, encouragement to settle disputes through dialogue and reinforcement of moral values that preserve human dignity in a constant relation with God."

The king's message, on behalf of the Islamic world, was read out during commemorations attended by the pope at the holy see.

The king also recalled the "fruitful talks" he held with the pope in 1980 during the latter's visit to Morocco and during which "we agreed that the holy city of Al Quds (Jerusalem) is an antique symbol shared by the three religions and, as such, should remain the site of their meeting and co-existence.

The king who chairs "Al Quds Committee" (Jerusalem Committee) a body stemming from the Organization of Islamic Conference "OIC," said contacts will be carried on over the future of this city and over all issues pertaining to co-existence between islam and christianity in the interest of humanity and the consolidation of security and cooperation between peoples.

The message also underlined the importance of the pope's visit in 1985 in Morocco, the first islamic country visited by the pope, adding that the visit confirmed the permanence of dialogue and the reciprocal esteem (existing between the two men) in the interest of humanity and mutual understanding between the two religions.