His Majesty King Saud, His Majesty King Hussein, President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Prime Minister Sabri al‑Asali, and Prime Minister Suleiman al‑Nabulsi signed the Arab Solidarity Agreement on Saturday, 18 Jumada al‑Akhirah 1376 AH, corresponding to 19 January 1957.
Under this agreement, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt would provide twelve and a half million Egyptian pounds annually to Jordan.
The duration of the agreement was ten years, beginning on 1 April 1957, and it would be automatically renewed thereafter.
The text of the agreement is as follows:
“The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Syrian Republic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Egypt—recognizing the grave responsibilities placed upon them to preserve the Arab entity and its independence; responding to the will of their peoples; believing in solidarity for the liberation of the Arab homeland; acknowledging that achieving such solidarity is a positive step toward the desired Arab unity; and contributing to the maintenance of security and peace in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the Arab League and the Charter of the United Nations; and wishing to conclude an agreement to strengthen cooperation and coordinate efforts toward these goals—have appointed and authorized the following representatives:
For the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan:
His Majesty King Hussein I and Prime Minister Suleiman al‑Nabulsi.
For the Syrian Republic:
Prime Minister Sabri al‑Asali.
For the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
His Majesty King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
For the Republic of Egypt:
President Gamal Abdel Nasser.
After exchanging credentials granting them full authority—found to be valid and properly executed—the parties agreed to the following:
Article (1)
The contracting governments affirm their belief in the necessity of solidarity and cooperation to support the Arab entity and its independence, and declare their appreciation of the responsibilities this entails.
Article (2)
The Governments of Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt shall share in covering the obligations borne by the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as a result of cooperation and solidarity in supporting the Arab entity and its independence, with a total annual amount of twelve and a half million Egyptian pounds, or its equivalent, referred to as “the Arab Commitments.”
The annex to this agreement—an integral part of it—regulates the distribution of these contributions among the participating governments and the method of their delivery.
Article (3)
The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan shall allocate the Arab assistance to the Jordanian Armed Forces, including the National Guard and their preparation.
Article (4)
This agreement is concluded for a period of ten years from the date it enters into force. If it is not amended before the end of this period by agreement of the contracting governments, it shall remain in effect until its term expires, after which it shall terminate one year from the date on which any contracting government notifies the others—through diplomatic channels—of its intention to end it.
Article (5)
This agreement shall be ratified in accordance with the constitutional procedures in each contracting state and shall enter into force upon the exchange of instruments of ratification, which shall take place in Cairo.
In witness whereof, the above‑named representatives have signed this agreement.
This agreement was drafted in Arabic in Cairo on 18 Jumada al‑Akhirah 1376 AH, corresponding to 19 January 1957, in five copies, one for each contracting government, with the final copy deposited with the General Secretariat of the Arab League
The governments that signed the Arab Solidarity Agreement in Cairo agreed to the following:
Article (1)
The share of each participating state in the Arab commitments referred to in Article (2) of the agreement shall be as follows:
- The Syrian Republic: two and a half million Egyptian pounds, or its equivalent.
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: five million Egyptian pounds, or its equivalent.
- The Republic of Egypt: five million Egyptian pounds, or its equivalent.
Article (2)
Each government shall pay its share of the aforementioned commitments in two equal installments:
the first when the agreement enters into force, and the second six months after the due date of the first installment, and so on.
Article (3)
The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan undertakes to purchase all the needs of its armed forces—whenever available—from the industries of the signatory states. The value of these purchases shall be entered into special accounts that increase Jordan’s share of the Arab commitments.
Article (4)
It is agreed that the Arab commitments referred to in Article (2) of the agreement shall replace the annual British aid of all types previously provided to the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for its armed forces, including the National Guard, in accordance with the agreements concluded between them.
Cairo, 18 Jumada al‑Akhirah 1376 AH / 19 January 1957
The first to speak about this agreement—which replaced British assistance to brotherly Jordan—was His Majesty King Saud, who said:
“I am delighted by this step, which represents great progress toward practical unity. The spirit that prevailed in our meetings promises abundant good for the Arab future that our leaders strive for in achieving blessed Arab unity.”
From “Saud in America” by journalist‑pilot Muhammad al‑Sallah
Annex to the Arab Solidarity Agreement
The governments that signed the Arab Solidarity Agreement in Cairo agreed to the following:
Article 1
The share of each participating state in the Arab commitments referred to in Article (2) of the agreement shall be as follows:
- The Syrian Republic: two and a half million Egyptian pounds or its equivalent
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: five million Egyptian pounds or its equivalent
- The Republic of Egypt: five million Egyptian pounds or its equivalent
Article 2
Each government shall pay its share of the commitments in two equal installments:
the first upon the agreement’s entry into force, and the second six months after the due date of the first installment, and so forth.
Article 3
The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan undertakes to purchase all the needs of its armed forces—whenever available—from the industries of the signatory states. The value of these purchases shall be entered into special accounts that increase Jordan’s share of the Arab commitments.
Article 4
It is agreed that the Arab commitments referred to in Article (2) shall replace the annual British aid previously provided to Jordan for its armed forces, including the National Guard, in accordance with existing agreements.
Cairo, 18 Jumada al‑Akhirah 1376 AH / 19 January 1957
His Majesty the King expressed great joy at the agreement.
Al‑Ahram published a statement from him after the signing:
“We are delighted by this step, which represents great progress toward practical unity. The spirit that prevailed in our meetings promises abundant good for the Arab future that all Arab leaders seek in achieving the anticipated Arab unity.”
He also said:
“This agreement expresses, sincerely and truthfully, the aspirations of the Arab peoples and their hopes for strengthening their radiant independence, God willing.”
Statements from Arab Leaders
King Hussein of Jordan
“I am truly happy and delighted by this blessed opportunity that allowed me to meet my brothers in Egypt, and which resulted in the signing of this agreement. We consider it a harbinger of good and the beginning of a promising future for the Arab community. These commitments are undoubtedly a noble assistance from our brothers in the Arab states, and they will have a great impact in strengthening Jordan’s position against Zionist ambitions and the Zionist threat.”
Arab Joy and Messages of Gratitude
The Arab Solidarity Agreement sparked widespread joy across the Arab world—especially in Jordan. Telegrams of thanks and congratulations poured into the Royal Court in Riyadh.
Below are selected messages from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan:
The Jordanian Senate
“Your Majesty King Saud,
The Jordanian Senate, which has approved the Arab Solidarity Agreement out of faith and conviction that it is one of the most important pillars of liberation, sees in it the sure path to strengthening the Arab front and making Arab nationalism a tangible reality with weight and value in the international balance, and in repelling every treacherous aggression.
On this blessed occasion, the Senate extends its deepest thanks and admiration to Your Majesty in appreciation of your exceptional efforts in this decisive historic event. May God grant you success for the good of the Arabs and Arabism.”
— President of the Jordanian Senate
The Jordanian House of Representatives
“Your Majesty King Saud,
The House of Representatives, proud of this immortal step toward liberation, extends its gratitude for your efforts in supporting Jordan’s independence through the Arab Solidarity Agreement. The House considers the day of signing this agreement a day of ascent toward glory and honor, which you will achieve through comprehensive unity.”
— Speaker of the House of Representatives
The Arab Socialist Ba‘ath Party – Jordan Branch
“Your Majesty King Saud,
At this historic moment in which Arab aid to Jordan has been signed, I am honored—on behalf of the Arab Socialist Ba‘ath Party—to extend our deepest thanks for your effective contribution to advancing Jordan’s struggle toward liberation, strengthening Arab nationalism, and moving toward comprehensive Arab liberation, full Arab unity, and the destruction of Israel.”
— Deputy Secretary‑General, Jordan
Mayor of Jerusalem
“Your Majesty King Saud,
The Arab Solidarity Agreement has laid the foundation for liberated Arab unity, aspiring to the good of Arabism and humanity. I am pleased to extend to Your Majesty the sincere congratulations of the Jerusalem Municipal Council on this happy occasion.”
National Guidance Committee – Jerusalem
“Your Majesty King Saud,
The National Guidance Committee in Jerusalem extends its highest thanks and gratitude on the occasion of the signing of the Arab Solidarity Agreement, asking God to protect Your Majesty and guide the liberated Arab nation toward honor and dignity.”
National Guidance Committee – Hebron
“Your Majesty King Saud,
We extend our thanks and gratitude to Your Majesty for signing the Arab Solidarity Agreement, which fulfilled a popular Jordanian demand and saved the country from colonial conspiracies. May God preserve Your Majesty as a pillar of Arabism and Islam.”
Municipality of Hebron
“Your Majesty King Saud,
The earth has rejoiced and flourished in celebration of the glorious day on which the Arab Solidarity Agreement was signed. Arabs everywhere will never forget this historic day, when the word was unified, ranks were joined, and colonialism was struck with fire.
The Municipal Council of Hebron extends its warmest congratulations on this blessed occasion.”
National Guidance Committee – Irbid
“Your Majesty King Saud,
The Arab Solidarity Agreement you concluded expresses the Arab nation’s drive toward liberation and unity. It is a painful blow to colonialism and its agents.
The National Guidance Committee in Irbid, representing all political currents, salutes Your Majesty on behalf of the people and fully supports every liberating step you take. March forward—the nation stands behind you.”
National Guidance Committee – Nablus
“Your Majesty King Saud,
On the occasion of the Arab Solidarity Agreement, the National Guidance Committee in Nablus expresses its appreciation and pride in what Your Majesty has achieved for the Arabs in the path of unity and liberation
His Majesty King Saud bin Abdulaziz the Magnificent,
I, together with the Municipal Council, extend to Your Majesty our gratitude and appreciation for Your gracious approval on the occasion of the signing of the historic Arab Solidarity Agreement. We renew our loyalty to Your Majesty and affirm our support for all your honorable national positions taken for the good of the nation and the homeland. We beseech Almighty God to grant you victory from Him and to preserve you as a pillar of Arabism and Islam, our exalted Sovereign.
Mayor of Ramtha
To His Majesty King Saud,
Your Majesty’s signing of the Arab Solidarity Agreement has gladdened our hearts and revived in the souls of the Arab peoples hope and confidence that the next step will be the restoration of beloved Palestine to its people. May you remain a source of strength and support for Arabism.
Secretary of the National Guidance Committee – Jericho
The visit of His Majesty King Hussein to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 28/9/76, and the joint Jordanian–Saudi communiqué issued after the discussions held at that time, constituted a reaffirmation by both sides of the principles contained in the Arab Solidarity Agreement and of the spirit that prevailed on the day it was signed.
Below is the text of the joint communiqué:
Joint Jordanian–Saudi Communiqué
“During the visit made by His Majesty King Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to His Majesty King Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, discussions were held concerning general Arab affairs of importance to the Arab world, including the current situation in Jordan—being the sister Arab country standing on the front lines of Arab national defense, whose affairs concern all Arab states, especially the three allied with it: Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
The two great monarchs emerged from this meeting with a clear and explicit understanding that the Arab nationalist policy established at the Cairo meeting of 18 Jumada al‑Akhirah 1376 (16 January 1957), with the participation of President Shukri al‑Quwatli and President Gamal Abdel Nasser, is the Arab nationalist policy to which they are firmly bound and to whose principles they are pledged, regardless of circumstances.
This policy is based on the following principles:
- Working to secure complete independence, free from all foreign control, and full sovereignty for every Arab country.
- Strengthening military cooperation among the four states to defend against common aggression and to restore the usurped right in Palestine.
- Refraining from joining foreign military alliances.
- Supporting Arab countries still under colonial rule in attaining their right to self‑determination and completing their freedom in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
- Full loyalty to the Arab League, its Charter, and its principles, and working to strengthen it.
The two great monarchs affirm that they are bound to this policy with an unbreakable bond, and they consider that deviation from it is a deviation from Arab nationalism. They also agree that what has recently occurred in Jordan is an internal Jordanian matter.”
A quick look at the content of this communiqué is enough to clarify an important aspect of the major lines of Saudi foreign policy—foremost among them the restoration of the usurped right in Palestine. The Arab nation in all its lands remains in the heart of the struggle—the struggle for liberation—and His Majesty the Saudi King will always remain at the forefront of those working to achieve victory over Zionism.
As for his position in this struggle—it is well known. History is the fairest judge of the sacrifices His Majesty has made and those he will make in the future. Victory is in the hands of God.
This is the position of the Government of His Majesty King Saud regarding the Palestine question and its consequences following the establishment of what they call “Israel,” an entity created without legitimacy.
It is a firm, unyielding, and explicit position—its strength reinforced by the experiences endured since 1948. All maneuvers and attempts made since that time have failed to sway him from his determined pursuit of restoring the usurped right. Nor have the pressures exerted by parties invested in Israel’s survival and empowerment succeeded in altering his stance.
His Majesty—may God preserve him—heir to the noble Saudi lineage in the Arabian Peninsula, with its virtues and noble traits, stands by his word and promise like a towering mountain, unmoved by storms. He is, even more, the true son of Abdulaziz—faithful, sincere, and courageous—embodying the qualities of authentic Arab chivalry that have shaped history for centuries, passed from fathers to sons, and a source of pride among nations.
What His Majesty did during the Suez Crisis and the Tripartite Aggression—his explicit support for Egypt without regard for any future consequences—is alone sufficient to appreciate the noble qualities of this great Arab leader.
Just as he stood by Egypt against two major powers, and stood with the free people of Algeria in their struggle against colonialism, he takes firm and honorable positions on all Arab issues.
His faith in the Arab homeland is deeply rooted within him. His knowledge of what befell his people at the hands of colonialism is broad and comprehensive. His trust in God Almighty, in himself, and in his citizens is immense and unwavering.
Saudi Arabia, as the holiest spiritual center of the Islamic world, carefully observes its responsibilities toward other Muslim peoples and states. The Saudi monarch, who draws inspiration from the spirit of the Qur’an and acts in accordance with the noble Prophetic Sunnah, considers that, as Guardian of the Two Holy Mosques, he bears duties toward his brothers across the earth—duties imposed by the teachings of Islam in cooperation, love, and brotherhood.
The great services he has rendered to the Islamic world in various fields deserve appreciation, respect, and lasting remembrance. His moral, material, and political support for independent Muslim states is widely known, and his generous efforts to help liberate colonized Muslim peoples add new and shining chapters to his noble legacy.
A government spokesman summarized the Kingdom’s policy toward the Islamic world on 3/5/76, saying:
“His Majesty’s feelings toward Muslim peoples are always those of brotherhood, affection, assistance, and cooperation with Muslims in all their lands.”
On the global level, Saudi Arabia’s policy is based on belief in peace, the realization of freedom for peoples, respect for the rights of others, and sincere cooperation founded on equality in sovereignty in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
It opposes colonialism in its absolute and comprehensive sense, and adheres to the resolutions of the Bandung Conference as an effective means of reducing global tension and eliminating the specter of devastating wars.
Source: Adwa’ ‘ala al‑Mamlakah al‑‘Arabiyyah al‑Sa‘udiyyah (1377 AH), by Sheikh Abdullah Balkhair