Hyderabad|India|July'2011:Consul General Katherine Dhanani; B.R. Meena, Director of APIIC, and R.M. Gonela, Principal Secretary (Political) signed the Agreement to Lease, which will lead to the construction of a permanent U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad in Gachibowli. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Secretary of Government of Andhra Pradesh S.V.Prasad.

Currently, the U.S. Consulate General operates from the historic Paigah Palace building in Begumpet.

Terming the agreement as an 'important milestone', Consul General Katherine Dhanani said the establishment of a permanent facility would strengthen the relationships between Indians and Americans. "As President Obama has said, and Hillary Clinton repeated in Delhi this past week, the relationship between India and the United States will be a defining partnership in the 21st century. We see our presence in Hyderabad as a strong sign of this enduring friendship."

Chief Secretary S.V.Prasad welcomed the agreement and the continuing commitment of the United States in Hyderabad. "There has always been a significant association between people of Andhra Pradesh and United States," he said. "This is an important cornerstone in the relationship
between the two nations. A consulate helps us achieve and maintain this relationship."

The 12-acre site is located in the financial district of Gachibowli.Upon today's signing, a series of site surveys and inspections will be conducted in preparation for the signing of a lease deed. The Consulate will break ground only following the signing of a lease deed.