As for the joy, the celebration, the warm welcome… as for the cheers, the applause, and the prayers… as for the millions who took part in all of this, whose emotions surged in the depths of their hearts in Rabat and Casablanca… as for that unparalleled reception — one that Morocco had not witnessed for centuries — words fall short of describing it, and expression cannot do it justice.
His Majesty King Saud’s visit to Morocco was the first Arab and Islamic visit enjoyed by that proud Arab land in its new era of freedom and independence. What magnified the joy was that it came from the Monarch of the Arabian Peninsula, who had stood firmly beside the Moroccan people in their honorable struggle against colonialism.
For this reason, the emotions of the Moroccan people poured forth in welcome, and everyone participated — men, women, and children — with all their senses: with their hands, their voices, their eyes, and their flags.
The warm reception did not end at the moment of arrival; it continued with the same intensity and sincerity throughout the entire visit, until the moment of farewell. It was evident in every place, every ceremony, and every chant.
At the conclusion of this blessed visit, the following official joint communiqué was issued:
Joint Communiqué
The Directorate General of Broadcasting, Press, and Publication issued the following statement:
On Wednesday, 20 Rajab 1376 AH, a meeting was held at the Royal Palace in Casablanca between His Majesty King Saud bin Abdulaziz of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and His Majesty King Mohammed V of Morocco.
Present at the meeting were, on the Saudi side, His Highness Prince Musaid bin Abdulrahman, and on the Moroccan side, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, Prime Minister Mbarek Bekkai, and Foreign Minister Ahmed Balafrej.
The meeting reviewed international issues, particularly those concerning the Arab peoples of the Middle East and Morocco.
The discussions included the talks held between King Saud and President Eisenhower and members of his administration. His Majesty expressed satisfaction with the understanding shown by President Eisenhower and his government regarding Arab issues.
After exchanging views, His Majesty King Mohammed V thanked King Saud for his efforts and wished him success in the mission he was undertaking for the benefit of the Arabs.
During the meeting, the two monarchs laid down the fundamental principles for establishing close cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco.
Both sovereigns affirmed their mutual support on matters of concern to their two nations and to the Arab and Islamic world in general.
The two sides agreed to initiate the exchange of diplomatic representation between their countries.
His Majesty King Saud was deeply moved by the warmth and sincerity of the Moroccan welcome, which reflected the feelings of the Moroccan people toward their brothers in the East and affirmed the depth of unity and solidarity binding the Arab nation across its lands.
His Majesty expressed these sentiments on several occasions, especially in the royal address he directed to the Moroccan people, broadcast over Radio Morocco by order of His Majesty and delivered by Sheikh Abdullah Balkhair, Director General of Broadcasting, Press, and Publication.
The text reads:
Royal Address of King Saud to the Moroccan People
In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
From Saud bin Abdulaziz to all his brothers in Arabism and Islam in this land:
Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.
After praising God and sending blessings upon His Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family and companions, I wish through these words to express my gratitude, appreciation, and heartfelt regard to my brother in Arabism and Islam, His Majesty King Mohammed V, to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, to your national government, and to every individual in this dear Arab homeland.
The welcome, the Arab spirit, and the brotherly affection we witnessed from all of you — sentiments that came from your hearts — and the generosity for which this noble people has long been known, have left a profound impression on me.
Indeed, as I attempt to express my feelings and the impact of all that I heard, saw, and experienced in this country, I find myself unable to fully convey my gratitude.
I hasten to congratulate you all on the independence you have achieved through your struggle, your unity, your dignity, and your honor. My people, my country, and I share with you this overflowing brotherly sentiment.
If circumstances prevent me from remaining among you as long as I had wished, I take this opportunity to thank all your hospitable cities that prepared to welcome me, though circumstances prevented me from visiting them at this time.
To the people of Morocco everywhere — and to the cities of Fez, Meknes, and Ifrane — I extend my apologies, my thanks, and my appreciation.
May God preserve for you your King and Crown Prince, and may He sustain for all of us the blessings of Islam and the glory of Arabism.
Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.