His Majesty the Arab Monarch in Libya
The Kingdom of Libya, the fourth of the North African Arab states and a stronghold of Arabism in the Maghreb, naturally welcomed the official visit of His Majesty King Saud to his brother in faith and Arabhood, His Majesty King Idris.
Libyan newspapers described the visit as a national celebration for the young kingdom. They wrote that King Saud’s visit to King Idris was an exaltation of Arabism and Islam, and a reaffirmation of the bonds of friendship and affection that must remain a sacred tie among Arab peoples.
The Libyan people’s joy at the royal visit was profound and magnificent. Tripoli donned its finest attire; government offices and schools were closed; farmers and shepherds left their work to join the masses greeting the Monarch of Arabism and the Guardian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Grand celebrations and lavish banquets were held, and the main roads were adorned with triumphal arches and colorful banners — eighty arches on a single road between the airport and Tripoli.
Newspapers appeared in festive editions filled with articles praising the significance of the visit and with vivid photographs of the two great monarchs, Saud and Idris, alongside statesmen, officials, and dignitaries who participated in the reception and farewell ceremonies.
His Majesty King Saud donated fifty thousand riyals to Libyan charitable organizations, and the municipality of Tripoli named one of its principal streets after His Majesty.
Thus, the days King Saud spent with his brother King Idris became festive chapters in the history of Arab nationalism.
The farewell ceremony at Tripoli Airport was splendid and solemn. At the head of the well‑wishers stood King Idris, Prime Minister Mustafa Ben Halim, senior officials, dignitaries, and crowds of citizens.
His Majesty King Saud shook hands with them all before proceeding to the aircraft that would carry him to Egypt, amid prayers that God grant him safe travels and bless his efforts for the good of the Arabs and Muslims.
Joint Communiqué on the Discussions Between King Saud and King Idris
The Directorate General of Broadcasting, Press, and Publication issued the following statement:
“Talks were held during the visit of His Majesty King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Majesty King Idris I of the United Kingdom of Libya between 22 and 24 February 1957 in Tripoli, during the Saudi monarch’s official visit to Libya.
The two great kings reviewed the political situation in the Middle East and various Arab issues. Their discussions included the talks held by King Saud with President Eisenhower and his administration.
King Saud expressed his satisfaction with President Eisenhower’s understanding of matters concerning the Arabs, and both monarchs found themselves in full agreement in appreciating this understanding.
The talks provided an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds of brotherhood and friendship between the two sister kingdoms and to unify their views and joint efforts for the good of the Arabs and the realization of their aspirations, in accordance with the Charter of the Arab League and the Charter of the United Nations.
The two Arab monarchs agreed, in an atmosphere of cordiality and fraternity, on the following:
1. Continued strong support for the struggling Algerian people in their legitimate demand for freedom and independence, and for a peaceful and just resolution of the Algerian question that fulfills the aspirations of this brotherly nation.
2. Affirmation of the necessity of Israel’s complete and unconditional withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Sharm al‑Shaykh, as stipulated by the United Nations, and the need to put an end to Israel’s repeated aggressions against Arab countries.”