United States Consul General Katherine Dhanani on Tuesday called on the Chief Minister K Rosaiah at Secretariat.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Ms 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 land at 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 would give appointment to 500 people every day and of this, 70 to 75 per cent are given visas.
Ms Katherine said that the Consulate has 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 programmes are also possible. It is beneficial to both Andhra Pradesh and United States", she 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 hassle-free manner,” he said.
The Chief Minister explained to the Consulate General about the special features and achievements of Andhra Pradesh. He also said that Hyderabad is the best investment destination and confluence of all Indian cultures.
Mr Rosaiah hoped that the forthcoming visit of the President of the United States, Mr Barak Obama in November this year will be a great success.