25. October 2025
Jordanian Ambassador: “It is an honor to be at evening full of music, friendship and brotherhood”
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, based in Vienna, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hindawi, delivered the following speech at the opening of the 17th NAPS International Ecumenical Concert:
„Excellencies, Ministers, distinguished diplomats, Your Eminences, ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
It is my privilege, as Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to be here in this beautiful concert hall of the Slovak Philharmony in Bratislava for an evening of music, fellowship and brotherhood.
I’m honored to have a Jordanian talented tenor Mr. Ady Naber, who will perform Eastern Orthodox sacred songs alongside other distinguished performers. Mr. Naber, a Christian, is a true representation of Jordanian society that lives in peace and harmony. He is from the birthplace of Christianity — Jordan hosts the historic site where Jesus Christ was baptized.
As I was asked to make this statement brief, I thought of a reflection from last week’s visit by His Majesty King Abdullah II’ of Jordan to Budapest. He met a group of parliamentarians and one of them told His Majesty a story that captures the spirit of tonight’s gathering.
He had visited Jordan six months earlier and noticed that the national flags were flying at half-mast. Curious about the reason, he inquired and was informed that flags were lowered after the death of Pope Francis. He was surprised that a Muslim country would lower its flags for a Christian leader. He said to His Majesty “I shared that surprise with many colleagues at recent interfaith breakfasts and found myself moved each time I spoke about it.”
His Majesty responded promptly and with profound humanity regarding Pope Francis. He expressed his sorrow, stating, “He was my friend and brother; brothers grieve the loss of their friends.”
That sentence, spoken by a Muslim monarch, a descendent of prophet Muhammad, for a Christian spiritual leader, expresses the fellowship and mutual respect that make evenings like this possible.
Excellencies , Ladies and Gentleman
Tonight’s music — faith expressed through voice and instrument — is a living example of the bonds that transcend creed and nationality.
May this concert strengthen our shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and the common good.
I Thank you.“