“I visited Sana’a, Yemen, at the invitation of my brother, His Majesty Imam Ahmad—an invitation dear to my heart, for it brought together two brothers and strengthened the bonds of friendship between our two countries. This has been one of my aims since ascending the throne: to work earnestly to reinforce ties of goodwill among all Arabs and Muslims.”
His Majesty continued:
“My heart was filled with joy at the sincere affection and genuine brotherhood I received from my brother Imam Ahmad, and at the firm resolve I witnessed in him to do all that benefits the Arabs and Muslims. My happiness increased further when I saw in His Majesty and his government a strong determination to advance Yemen—through development projects in construction, education, and the economy—and to open the door for capital investment to develop Yemen’s natural resources, enabling our sister nation to move forward alongside the progressing nations of the world.”
The King added:
“We discussed this matter at length and outlined the plan through which we shall cooperate with our Yemeni brothers to raise their economic level and benefit from their natural wealth. What brought me great joy during my visit was witnessing the unity of hearts around Imam Ahmad, the solidarity of the royal family and the Yemeni people around their sovereign, and their standing as one in the face of any aggression against their country—firm in defending their sovereignty and independence, unwilling to allow any infringement upon them. They are determined to defend their rights, and they will find from us—as they will from all Arabs and Muslims, God willing—the support they deserve.”
His Majesty concluded by expressing his pleasure with the visit and his appreciation of its outcomes, both for Yemen specifically and for the two brotherly countries, as well as for broader Arab issues in accordance with the Arab League Charter and the principle of collective security.
(29 Dhu al‑Qa‘dah 1373 — 30 July 1954)