Balamand: Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, met with Saudi Ambassador Walid Bukhari at the Balamand Patriarchal Headquarters, alongside Elias Warrak, President of the University of Balamand. The meeting focused on the general situation in Lebanon and Syria, as well as the Kingdom's role within the Arab and Levantine context.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the discussion between Patriarch John and Ambassador Bukhari included current developments and regional dynamics. Ambassador Bukhari expressed his condemnation of the Mar Elias Church massacre in Dweila, Damascus, offering condolences to the victims' families and affirming his solidarity with the Patriarchate. He stressed that such tragedies target not only Christians but all components of Syrian society and threaten coexistence.
Patriarch John X responded by thanking the ambassador for his condolences and expressed appreciation for King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the Kingdom's role in promoting a culture of tolerance and openness across regional issues.