Telangana appeals Saudi Arabia to open its consulate in

Telangana Government today approached Saudi Arabian authorities seeking to set up a consulate of the Kingdom in Hyderabad.
State's Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali also called on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj urging her to establish a Passport Office at the Old City of Hyderabad.
Ali met Saudi Arabian Ambassador here to press for a consulate for the convenience of thousands of Telangana-based workers employed in the country.
"Hyderabad and Saudi Arabia share a relationship for over 100 years... Besides, Telangana has more Muslim population as compared with two other southern states," Ali told reporters.
Ali said he had explained about the historical relations between Hyderabad Nizam and Saudi Arabia and pointed out that a consulate would be helpful for Haj pilgrims also.

The Government of Telangana would be writing to the Saudi Arabian External Affairs Ministry in this connection, he said, while adding that the Saudi authorities have assured to look into the demand.