As the Hijri year drew to a close, His Majesty the King—may God preserve him—had spent the entire year at the very center of the turbulent events of the Middle East and the complex issues of the Arab world, both general and specific. His Majesty did not wait to be asked or invited; rather, he took the initiative, traveling to capitals across East and West, meeting kings, presidents, and senior officials, engaging in dialogue and negotiation.
At the same time, his kingdom welcomed leaders, statesmen, and political figures—all in pursuit of a noble and sacred goal: unifying Arab and Islamic strength, resolving their causes, and restoring their ancient glory.
Simultaneously, His Majesty oversaw the great movement of reform and development within the kingdom, while personally supervising the affairs of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims arriving in the holy lands. This responsibility consumed much of his time and attention, for His Majesty wished to ensure a spiritual and serene atmosphere for those who had undertaken the hardship of travel to perform the sacred pilgrimage, removing every obstacle that might distract them from worship.
It was therefore natural that His Majesty sought a few days of rest and recuperation. He chose the city of Asmara—situated atop the Ethiopian highlands, blessed with a mild and pleasant climate even in the height of summer, surrounded by forests and mountain slopes.
Asmara is also part of Ethiopia, a country with which the kingdom has long shared ties of neighborliness, goodwill, and cordial relations.
His Majesty departed for Asmara by air on Friday morning, 21 Dhul‑Hijjah 1376 AH, on a private, unofficial visit. He expressed to the Ethiopian government his desire that the visit remain limited to its purpose—rest and recuperation. However, Emperor Haile Selassie insisted on granting the visit full official honors.
Thus, His Majesty was received at Asmara Airport by the Governor‑General of Eritrea, senior officials, and members of parliament, while crowds gathered at the airport and along the roads, cheering the great Arab guest. His Majesty stayed at the Imperial Palace in Asmara as the honored guest of the Emperor.
In Asmara, delegations from all sectors of society visited His Majesty to greet him. He also spent a day in the village of Kadan, enjoying its beautiful forests.
His Majesty then accepted the Emperor’s invitation to visit the capital, Addis Ababa—“the New Flower.” At the airport, he received a grand and splendid welcome from the Emperor, members of the Imperial Family, the Prime Minister, ministers, military commanders, parliamentarians, scholars, and dignitaries.
Magnificent royal banquets were held in his honor. At the grand state dinner hosted by Emperor Haile Selassie, the two monarchs exchanged decorations:
The Emperor bestowed upon King Saud the highest Ethiopian order—the Order of Solomon’s Seal—and presented distinguished decorations to the princes and members of the royal entourage.
His Majesty King Saud, in turn, presented the Emperor with a pure gold Arabian sword and offered rare gifts to members of the Imperial Family.
His Majesty also received leading Muslim scholars and members of the Arab community. He generously donated funds to Islamic religious institutes in Asmara and to the establishment of schools in Addis Ababa for the education of Arab and Muslim children.
His Majesty was given a most gracious farewell in both Addis Ababa and Asmara before returning to his noble homeland.
This journey—intended merely for rest—yielded a splendid outcome: the strengthening of friendly and cordial relations between two ancient neighboring nations.
Joint Communiqué Issued After the Royal Visit
“His Majesty King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia spent several days of rest as the guest of His Majesty the Emperor in Asmara, Ethiopia.
On the morning of July 23, 1957—coinciding with the Emperor’s annual anniversary—His Majesty arrived accompanied by two of his royal sons, two other members of the royal family, and several senior officials.
His Majesty was received at the airport by the Emperor, the Crown Prince, Prince Sahle Selassie, ministers, and senior state officials. After the national anthems were played and the guard of honor reviewed, the Emperor escorted his royal guest to the Jubilee Palace.
Due to the nation’s mourning for the passing of the Imperial Duke of Harar, official celebrations were limited. Nevertheless, the Emperor hosted a formal state dinner in honor of His Majesty, attended by princes, senior officials, and high-ranking members of the imperial government.
Decorations and medals were exchanged during the visit.
The two monarchs discussed and agreed upon measures to strengthen cooperation between their neighboring countries, including the development of closer economic and commercial relations and the exchange of diplomatic representation at the level of embassies.
They also exchanged views and held consultations on matters of global importance, particularly issues concerning the Middle East, and succeeded in coordinating their policies and positions on many matters of mutual interest.
His Majesty the Emperor gladly accepted King Saud’s invitation to make an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the near future.”
Exchanged Telegrams Between the Two Monarchs
Telegram from King Saud to Emperor Haile Selassie
“As I depart your esteemed country, I am pleased to extend to Your Majesty my deepest thanks and profound gratitude for the warm hospitality and honor I received from Your Majesty, the Crown Prince, your government, and your noble people.
I pray to God to grant Your Majesty continued health and well‑being, and to bless your dear nation with progress and prosperity.
May God guide us all to what brings good and happiness to our two countries and peoples.”
Signed: Saud
Reply from Emperor Haile Selassie
“We were deeply moved by Your Majesty’s gracious message, filled with sentiments of friendship, upon the conclusion of your distinguished visit to Ethiopia.
Your visit has contributed greatly to strengthening the bonds between two peoples who live together in brotherhood and good neighborliness.
It is our sincere hope that Your Majesty’s visits to this country—where you are held in the highest esteem—will be repeated.”
Signed: Haile Selassie