Afghan envoy awaits Tollywood film shoots
Consulate General plans to conduct food festival in Hyd
Speaking to media in Hyderabad for the first time since he assumed office on Wednesday here, His Excellency Muhammad Suleman Kakar, the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan said, “I can’t wait for the day when Tollywood as well as Bollywood movies will be shot again in Afghanistan. Who can forget Amitabh Bachchan’s role in Khuda Gawah shot in the picturesque mountains of our country in the late 80s and released in 1992?”
Explaining the work of the consulate in Hyderabad, he said, “it was opened in January 2020 for primarily providing consular services in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. But we are looking at a greater role of acting as a bridge between our two countries, and boosting trade and showcasing our country to the people of Telangana.”
Giving details of the opportunities for entrepreneurs in his country, Consul General Kakar, speaking in chaste Hindi, said, “our country is known for mineral wealth. Mining is a great opportunity. Besides that, we have infrastructure and energy as big areas for people from here to consider investing.”
“As a nation with rich natural resources and exotic agriculture, we already have in India a great partner and historic friend. Over 80 per cent of our fruits and nearly 60 per cent of our dry fruits are exported to India. Now, we hope investors from Telangana to come and explore the great opportunities in infrastructure, energy, tourism, communication, education, transport and health”, he said.
He thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending 5,00,000 Covid-19 vaccines and said, “bilateral relations between our two countries have remained strong and friendly over decades. We had been historical neighbours as well. We highly value our relations and remain committed to further expanding political and economic ties between two brotherly countries”.
“India has been very supportive in giving higher education opportunities for our youth. There are over 200 Afghan students studying in Osmania University alone, and over 800 students all over Telangana. The numbers will rise once the Covid restrictions are over,” he said.
“As part of our future plants, we are planning to organise an Afghan food festival to promote IndoAfghan food and culture exchange. We are also looking at taking a business delegation from here to Kabul soon,” he added.
Vice Consul General Sayed Mohammad Ibrahimkhil and CD Foundation director Charu Das were also present.