United States Consul General meets CM
 

Hyderabad|India|September'2010: United States Consul General Ms. Katherine Dhanani of the Consulate General of the USA in Hyderabad met the Chief Minister Dr K Rosaiah at Secretariat. Ms. Katherine said she is grateful to the State Government for allotting the Paigah Palace for the temporary functioning of the US Consulate in Hyderabad and also about 12 acres land in Manikonda in Gachibowli for the permanent US Consulate in Hyderabad. She said her husband is of Indian origin and thus she has special interest in Indian culture.

The US Consul General said that the Hyderabad Consulate is giving appointment to 500 people every day and of this 70 to 75% are given visas. The Consulate is a good opportunity and convenience for the people of Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister also said that the decision to open a Consulate in Hyderabad was a wise decision and provided good opportunity for the people here. Instead of travelling all the way to Chennai and other places they are able to get their visas cleared here only. The Consulate is also helpful to people from the neighbouring States and cities nearer to Hyderabad.

Ms. Katherine said that the Consulate is helpful to boost trade and cultural relations between Andhra Pradesh and the United States. "More cultural exchanges are now taking place. More educational exchange programmes are also possible. It is beneficial to both Andhra Pradesh and United States", she said.

The Chief Minister explained to the Consulate General about the present situation and special features and achievements of Andhra Pradesh. He also said that Hyderabad is the best investment destination and confluence of all Indian cultures. He also told her that Andhra Pradesh this year had copious rains and all districts had in fact excess rainfall. He hoped that the forthcoming visit of the President of the United States, Mr Barak Obama in November this year will be a great success.

All officials of the CMO and Protocol were also present.

-Sept'2010