Ties between the countries have progressed since 1990, and both sides are keen to develop them further
THERE IS A traditional saying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that a 'paradise without people is no paradise'. That adage best sums up Hong Kong's most precious resource, according to Saudi Arabian Consul-General Alaudeen Alaskary.
In a year that has seen progress on many fronts between the kingdom and China, including Hong Kong, Mr Alaskary said he believed it was the residents of Hong Kong that made it a paradise for Saudi Arabians.
'Since establishing my consulate, I have found the people of Hong Kong are its major success,' Mr Alaskary said. 'They strive for success, they are honest and they welcome you here. They are the most friendly people, and if I am successful here it is because of the people.
'The major reason for the success of the recent royal family visits was how generous the people were in welcoming the king and the crown prince.'
For Mr Alaskary, being successful means developing business, trade, education and tourism ties between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, which is what he has been striving to do since opening his country's mission here three years ago.
'Hong Kong is special because it is an international city with basic Chinese culture,' Mr Alaskary said. 'It has been my plan since opening the consulate to strengthen the economic, tourism and cultural ties between these two areas.'