JEDDAH, 9 July 2005 — A proposal to set up a Saudi diplomatic mission with an honorary consul in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is being closely examined. This follows the “keen interest” shown by the Saudi ambassador to India, Saleh Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, during his recent visit to Hyderabad.
“The ambassador has in a communication indicated his desire to establish the Saudi mission’s presence with an honorary consul in the state,” AP Information and Public Relations Minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir told a meeting organized in his honor by APNRIs Jeddah Convention at the Consulate General of India on Thursday night.
The minister gave an overview of the state’s multidimensional progress.
Speaking about the “most congenial investment” climate prevailing in the state, Shabbir presented two books published by the state. One is titled “Small state on a long march” and the other on the “New industrial policy.”
The minister indicated that the chief minister had agreed to visit the Kingdom in September to interact with prospective Saudi businessmen for taking advantage of the prevailing “excellent” investment environment. Shabbir will accompany the chief minister during his first official visit.
The Aga Khan Foundation has plans to set up an international university and the state government has offered 100 acres of free land with free water supply. “The Aga Khan is scheduled to visit the state next month,” Shabbir said.
On his party’s election promise in respect of reservation for Muslims in education and employment, he said: “We’ve succeeded in getting a five percent reservation for Muslims in the state.”
The state government is also trying its best to redress the grievances listed in a memorandum submitted by Afsar Faheem, member of the state government’s APNRI Cell Study Group, especially about the domicile problem faced by NRI students when seeking admission to colleges and professional institutions in India.
“We’re aware of the problems faced by NRI students and looking into it to find a solution,” he said.
He said the state government believed in providing assistance and recognition to all those giving out their best. “The five percent reservation of Muslims in employment too will be strictly adhered to and if right Muslim candidates are not available, the reservation will be carried forward until such candidates are found,” he said.
