On Wednesday, the first of Safar 1377 AH, Syria—its government and its people—welcomed its distinguished guest, His Majesty King Saud. His Majesty arrived at Damascus Airport that afternoon, where he was received by President Shukri Al‑Quwatli, the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, Arab and foreign diplomats, and leading figures of the nation.
This magnificent national reception reflected the deep affection of the Syrian people for the King.
The Saudi Ambassador to Damascus, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Zaid, presented to His Majesty the members of the diplomatic corps who had come to greet him and welcome his royal visit to their sister nation. Damascus had rarely witnessed such an enthusiastic reception; the royal motorcade consisted of several thousand official and private vehicles, moving through streets lined with cheering crowds calling out long live King Saud and President Al‑Quwatli.
Accompanying His Majesty were Their Royal Highnesses Princes Mohammed bin Abdulaziz, Mohammed bin Saud Al‑Kabir, Ahmed bin Abdulrahman, Faisal bin Turki bin Abdulaziz, and several of the King’s brothers and sons.
That evening, President Al‑Quwatli hosted a grand banquet at the Presidential Palace in honor of the King. Ministers, parliamentarians, military commanders, scholars, diplomats, senior officials, and leading figures of Syrian society attended. The atmosphere was filled with the spirit of Arab brotherhood, warmth, and friendship.
On the following day, His Majesty, accompanied by the President, visited the Damascus International Fair. Crowds lined the streets, greeting the King with cheers and prayers. His Majesty toured the fairgrounds, paying special attention to the Arab pavilions. The Saudi pavilion, in particular, had been beautifully prepared for the royal visit. His Majesty expressed great satisfaction with what he saw.
After sunset, Prime Minister Sabri Al‑Asali hosted an official dinner in honor of the King, attended by a large gathering of dignitaries.
The Syrian press warmly welcomed the King of the Arabian Peninsula, describing his visit as a major event in the history of Arab unity. Newspapers across the Arab world echoed this sentiment.
The Damascus‑based newspaper Al‑Ayyam published an editorial titled:
“King Saud in His Homeland and Among His People”
“We welcome His Majesty King Saud as he arrives in his homeland, among his people and kin. We place great hopes on this blessed visit and his meeting with President Al‑Quwatli, especially in these circumstances, to purify the Arab atmosphere, unite the ranks, and strengthen cooperation.
The path of sincere leaders devoted to their nations is one and the same.
The meeting of Saud and Al‑Quwatli today—and every day—is the surest means to achieve what benefits Syria and elevates the Arab nation.”
On Friday morning, 4/3/1377 AH, His Majesty departed Damascus aboard the royal aircraft. President Al‑Quwatli, along with large crowds of dignitaries, military commanders, and diplomats, bid him farewell at the airport.
International news agencies and radio stations broadcast the statement issued by His Majesty on the occasion of his visit. The world saw in King Saud a leader devoted to Arab unity and solidarity, striving to elevate the Arab nation to its rightful place among the great nations. His Majesty had long been known for his efforts to strengthen Arab cohesion.
His Majesty declared:
“It has been a blessing to visit sisterly Syria, to attend its annual fair, and to meet its President, government, and noble people with whom we share the strongest bonds of brotherhood.
In these times of rumors and dark speculation that have caused concern among Syrians and Arabs, I wish to state clearly and sincerely—as my Syrian and Arab brothers know me—that I condemn any aggression against Syria or any Arab nation.
I will stand with my Syrian and Arab brothers against any attack on their independence, regardless of its source.
I hold every Arab in too high regard to believe he would harm another Arab. Our strength lies in our unity, and our shared destiny requires us to defend our freedom and independence together.
Any aggression against one of us is aggression against all.
Syria poses no threat to any of its neighbors; such an idea is unreasonable. Its policies are rooted in the Arab League Charter, the Joint Defense Treaty, and the United Nations Charter.
I have witnessed Syria’s sincere desire to cooperate with all its neighbors.
May God guide us in safeguarding our Arab homeland, elevating our nation, and preserving our dignity among nations.”
Upon his departure, His Majesty sent a telegram to President Al‑Quwatli:
King Saud’s Telegram
“As I depart sisterly Syria and its noble people, I wish to express to Your Excellency my deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to me by you, your government, and your loyal people.
This is no surprise, for such generosity is well‑known of Syria in all circumstances.
I pray that God grants us, you, and all Arab leaders success in uplifting our nation, restoring its glory, and confronting the dangers near us.
May God protect you and honor your noble people and all Arab peoples.”
Signed: Saud
President Al‑Quwatli’s Reply
“I received Your Majesty’s gracious telegram with great joy.
The noble sentiments it contained left a deep impression on me.
On behalf of Syria—its government and its people—I express our sincere gratitude for your honored visit to your second homeland, Damascus, a visit that left the finest impact on our hearts.
May God protect Your Majesty and your loyal people, and may He guide us all to achieve the unity, honor, and glory to which the Arab nation aspires.”
Signed: Shukri Al‑Quwatli