When King Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—passed away and his successor, Imam Saud, assumed leadership, the unity of the Arabs and the strengthening of relations among Islamic nations became his foremost objective.
He believed that such unity, which would lead to the independence and glory of the great Arab homeland, could only be achieved through direct personal contact. It is well known that mutual visits between the leaders of the nation often bring viewpoints closer together and unify positions.
His Majesty’s visits to Arab countries were a practical affirmation of this principle.
The King’s efforts to unite the Arab word and gather the ranks of Muslims need no praise or elaboration; they are as clear as the full moon at its brightest. Nothing demonstrates this more eloquently than the historic speech with which he opened the first meeting of the Council of Ministers:
“As for our foreign policy, the foremost matter that concerns us is working to unite the Arab word and support their interests within their League, in accordance with its Charter and the Joint Defense Pact.
We have instructed the delegation representing us at the Arab League in its first meeting after we assumed power to declare our firm resolve to support the Arabs and cooperate with them in every possible field to prevent aggression against us all.”
This is clear evidence of the love His Majesty King Saud holds for sister nations and of his upright and transparent approach.
The Arab and Islamic nations held deep affection for his exceptional character and noble humanity. Friendly hands reached out to cooperate with him in elevating the word of God, and Arab and Islamic governments eagerly invited him to their lands.
As is the custom of the noble Arab, he accepted these invitations despite his immense responsibilities and the extensive internal projects and reforms that demanded his time and rest.
His Majesty traveled to the sister Arab and Islamic countries, and these journeys became eternally remembered for the great results they produced—uniting the word of the Islamic nations and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and affection.
The statements and declarations issued after his visits across the Arab world were filled with this meaning and affirmed it.
Egypt
His Majesty began these journeys with a visit to Egypt on the fifteenth of Rajab 1373 AH.
He was received with extraordinary warmth by both the government and the people, in a manner that reflected his esteemed place in the hearts of the Arabs. It was a historic reception the likes of which Egypt had rarely witnessed.
His Majesty visited various regions of Egypt in response to invitations from different groups of the Arab people in the sister nation.
This journey had far‑reaching effects in strengthening relations between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The discussions His Majesty held with Egyptian officials centered on Arab issues, and these talks revealed a spirit of solidarity and brotherhood between the two nations. They demonstrated that both countries were united in their efforts to strengthen the Arab League.
On this occasion, His Majesty called upon the Arabs to unite, saying:
“The Arab nation—in its various peoples, institutions, and governments—must deepen its ties of understanding and closeness so that it may form a political, economic, and cultural unity, enlightened by the experiences and trials the Arab nation has undergone in recent years.”
He concluded by saying:
“It has become clear that the viewpoints of the two sister governments were—and continue to be—in complete harmony regarding the handling of Arab interests throughout all their lands.”