Observing that the cultural heritage of Hyderabad is linked to Saudi Arabia, Rao recalled that the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad Mahabub Ali Pasha built a 'rubaat' (a home for stay) in Saudi for the benefit of Haj pilgrims from Telangana, a release from Chief Minister's office said.
Rao requested that a Consulate of Saudi be set up in Hyderabad and the envoy said the matter is already being considered by them, it said.
Noting that Telangana government is ready to revive the old friendship with Saudi, he said industrial investments would help strengthen the ties.
Rao explained the state government's industrial policy and also the welfare and development schemes being implemented for minorities, it said.
The Saudi envoy said his country is giving 460 scholarships to Indian youth, irrespective of their religious identity, the release added.