JEDDAH: Saudi leadership has always appreciated the contribution of Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom, Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq said Tuesday.

“Saudis trust Pakistanis. When Saudis are prosperous, we are prosperous. Pakistanis are proud of Saudi Arabia,” he said at the Arab News dialogue that took place in Jeddah.

“We wish and hope Saudi Arabia remains successful,” said the ambassador.

The interactive session was based on an innovative concept themed ‘Expat communities in Saudi Arabia: Their contribution and responsibilities.’

The ambassador and Pakistan community leaders in Jeddah — Amir Muhammad Khan, Syed Ehsanul Haque and S. Qasim Ali Naqvi — were among those who joined the dialogue.

Welcoming the guests, Arab News Editor in Chief Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi highlighted the importance of the robust Saudi-Pak ties in various fields including trade and counterterrorism.

Pakistanis constitute one of the largest expatriate communities in the Kingdom. They are peace loving and have played a key role in the development of the Kingdom, he said.

“Saudi Arabia hosts 10 million expats. We appreciate the role of expats in our growth story,” said Al-Harthi

The dialogue is one of the pioneering initiatives of Al-Harthi, with a view to increasing the interaction of the region’s leading English newspaper with decision-makers in the Saudi economic sector and expatriate community leaders.

The Pakistani community has played a very important role in the development of Saudi Arabia, Al-Harthi told the forum.

“All of us remember Pakistani hero Farman Ali Khan who saved the lives of 14 Saudis during floods,” he said.

Arab News appreciates Pakistani readers for their active participation, he added.

Speaking further at the dialogue, Ambassador Manzoor ul Haq commented: “We are thankful to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for facilitating the free separation surgery of Pakistani twins from Swat.”

He added: “No true Pakistani will ever harm Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a very sacred place for all Pakistanis and Muslims.”