Turkish Consulate becomes operational in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, March 23, 2015 (Agencies) The Turkish Consulate General in Hyderabad, the first in South India, became operational here on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreyya welcomed the opening of Turkish Consulate in the city and said that the Consulate would serve the States of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerela, Goa and Chattisgarh. He said the Turkey and Hyderabad share lot of similarities in their culture and hoped that the Consulate would play a major role in strengthening the old ties. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in favour of having stronger ties with Turkey and other Arab countries and the Consulate is expected to play an active role in that direction. He assured that the Consulate would be provided with all required infrastructure and he would personally represent the



matter to Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Turkish Consul General Murat Omergulu informed that nearly 40 million tourists visit Turkey every year. They include about 1.20 lakh tourists from India. He said May and September is best time to visit Turkey. He hoped that the new Consulate would play a role in increasing the relations between the two countries, especially in tourism, health and IT sectors.

On this occasion, Tollywood Actress Lakshmi Manchu became the first person to be issued a visa by the Turkish Consulate General in Hyderabad. Thanking the Consulate for the gesture, she offered to play a role in strengthening the ties between Turkey and Telangana.

Visa Officer Sevil Yildiz and Canopy Estates Director Mir Mujahid Ali Mahmood also addressed the gathering.