Riyadh warmth made my journey unforgettable

Late at night in Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport on Saturday, I struggled to check in online for my flight at the very last minute. It didn't help that my mobile phone network was also down.

"Don't worry," a Saudi gentleman said in a calm, soothing voice. "I'll help you."

At a Qatar Airways counter, Mohamad glanced at my mobile phone screen and smiled. He then used his phone to share internet access with me. Soon, I was on my way to board the flight.

Throughout my trip to the kingdom, I felt the Saudi warmth everywhere. Officials attentively asked what I needed, the hotel manager helped me to call a taxi for about 15 minutes, and another hotel crew member helped me get to the bank in the evening.

Ministry of Media staff members answered to needs during weekends, were always ready for assistance at media centers, and rushed over to help during off-duty hours.

Leaders and experts said the summits on development and cooperation were good news for the region and the entire world. China's delegation had brought in projects, job opportunities and commitment to "overall cooperation", as enunciated by the Saudi leadership. These initiatives would lead to better lives for ordinary Saudi people and a better future for the kingdom.

I was told that many locals and other Arabs observed that Chinese people listen in earnest and are trusted partners and friends. Saudi people use Chinese 5G tech widely, without any fear of the "potential security threat" that some countries had fueled about China's technology.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a new era of transformation, Chinese businesspeople said. China's experiences and expertise also partly explain the upgraded bilateral partnership.

Underpinning this partnership is the Arabs' disappointment at being misunderstood and misrepresented. As pointed out by a top Saudi diplomat at a news conference, they don't believe in the zero-sum game.

Analysts said Arab people have long been weary of foreign intervention and conflicts originating from Western colonialism and power politics.

They said our world has spent too much money and resources on arms, and too little on food, forestation and nonfossil fuels.

The Saudis and other Arabs want to be properly understood, duly respected for their path of growth, and trusted as responsible members of an inclusive global community.

They aspire for normal and happy lives, as Saudi people work hard for their own modernization.

Around the clock on Dec 7-10, Saudi and Chinese leaders were meeting about 20 other leaders from the Arab region, discussing their closer community with a shared future.

Quite like in China, the Saudi formula of vision, passion, plus dedication equals more success.

Contact the writer at wen@chinadailyhk.com.