Australian Trade Minister assures about the safety and security of Indian students, particularly from AP

Hyderabad|India|May'2010: Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean, MP assured the Chief Minister Dr. K.Rosaiah about the safety and security of Indian students, particularly from Andhra Pradesh. The Minister Simon Crean and his team had a meeting with the Chief Minister at Secretariat. The Chief Minister while discussing trade relations with the Australian Minister asked him about the safety of the Indian students.

The Chief Minister expressed concern about the attack on Indian students in Australia. Mr Simon Crean immediately responded and assured the Chief Minister about the safety and security of the Indian students. He said police presence where the Indian students stay and study will be increased and the Australian Government will see that such incidents do not take place. "We do understand the anxiety of your government and the anguish of the parents of Indian students here. We underscore the safety of the Indian students. We will take all steps needed in this regard. Students exchange is also important", the Australian Minister said. He said the delegation also visited the ICRISAT, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Infotech and had meetings with CII in Hyderabad.

The Australian Minister said that Memorandum of Agreement between Australia and Andhra Pradesh can be reached in the areas of Agriculture, Water Management, Manufacturing and Service Industry, Educational Sector, Coal-based projects and IT etc. Mr Simon Crean opined that Hyderabad is a dynamic city and has a 'wonderful modern' airport at Shamshabad and also Andhra Pradesh is a fast expanding State. The Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh can take advantage of learning from Australia technologies like massive recycling of water, tapping of solar energy, coal plants. He said Andhra Pradesh is the pioneer state in agriculture and allied sectors, IT, ITES, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical industries etc.

The delegation also included Mr. Peter Varghese, Australian High Commissioner, Mr Deborah Stokes, First Asst. Secretary, Mr Clinton Porteous, Senior Media Adviser and Ms. Gitanjanli Nandan, First Secretary. Principal Secretary, Industries, Sam Bob, Adviser to Government of A.P., Peter Hassan and other officials also attended the meeting.