United States Consul General Katherine Dhanani called on the Chief Minister K Rosaiah at Secretariat on Tuesday.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Katherine thanked the state government for allotting the Paigah Palace for the temporary functioning of the US Consulate in Hyderabad.
She also thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning 12 acres of land at Manikonda in Gachibowli for the permanent US Consulate in Hyderabad. She said her husband was of Indian origin, and that thus she had special interest in Indian culture.
The US Consul General said that the Hyderabad Consulate gives appointments to 500 people every day, and that out of this, 70% to 75% are given visas.
Katherine said that the Consulate had been helpful in boosting trade and cultural relations between Andhra Pradesh and the United States.
"More cultural exchanges are now taking place. More educational exchange programs are also possible. It is beneficial to both Andhra Pradesh and the United States", Katherine said.
The Chief Minister said that the decision to open a Consulate in Hyderabad was wise 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. The Consulate is also helpful to people from the neighbouring States and cities nearer to Hyderabad, to get visas in a hassle-free manner," Rosaiah said.
Rosaiah hoped that the forthcoming visit of the President of the United States, Barak Obama, in November this year, will be a great success
Courtesy: INN
filed in:Katherine Dhanani, K Rosaiah, USA, US Consulate