Gentle affection was something he could do, and enjoyed giving. The Jedi carefully pulling Luke into his arms, but didn’t stop the soft petting. Though there is a flutter of amusement at what the younger man says.

“With a bit of persuasion from time to time I wager.”

He was of course referring to the Jedi mind trick. A useful tool when needed to have things go a certain way. Obi-Wan has used it occasionally here as well.