U.S. Ambassador Presides Over
Ceremonial Opening of New Consulate General,
Hyderabad
Hyderabad,India.Oct,
2008:
U.S Ambassador to India
David C. Mulford presided over the ceremonial opening of the new
Consulate General, on October 24, 2008. Addressing a crowd of more
than 300 notables from the Andhra Pradesh state government, Members
of Parliament, representatives of academic, scientific and civil
society organizations and others, the Ambassador reaffirmed the
importance the United States accords to its bilateral relationship
with India. He said, “President George W. Bush is a great friend
and admirer of India. He has understood from the beginning of his
Administration the importance of the relationship between our two
great democracies, based as it is on shared values and many common
interests. The President has also been able to envision the impact
that this relationship can have on the world of the future. As a
result we have seen enormous growth in the breadth and scope of U.S.
– India relations. Today's ceremony fulfills the President’s March
2006 promise to open a new consulate in this historic and important
city.”
Government of Andhra
Pradesh Chief Minister joined the U.S. Ambassador
on the dais while Consul General of Hyderabad
Cornelis Keur acted as Master of Ceremonies. The
flag was hoisted by representatives of the United
States and Indian armed forces. The Indian Army
Ordnance Band played the two national anthems of
the United States and India.
In mid-December, the
Consular Section will begin operations processing
100 visa applicants a day. This will increase to
300 a month in January. The opening of the new
Consulate General means that visa applicants from
Andhra Pradesh will no longer be required to
travel to Chennai for consular
services. Additionally, the Consulate General will
also provide passport and other services to
American citizens residing in the state.
Until the U.S. Consulate
is providing full services, travelers to the
United States should continue to apply at the
Consulate General in Chennai.
The U.S Consulate is
currently operating out of the first floor of the
Paigah Palace until a permanent facility can be
constructed. Land has been obtained near Indian
School of Business and Microsoft for that purpose.
Reachout's News Bureau
Oct
