Iranian Prez Rouhani arrives in Hyd on 3-day India visit

Hyderabad: Iran President Hassan Rouhani arrived in Hyderabad on Thursday on a three-day India visit during which the two countries will discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan received him at the Begumpet airport.

"He is scheduled to address Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics in the city at 6.30 pm today," an official said.

During his two-day visit to the city, President Rouhani, who is accompanied by a 21-member delegation, will also meet people of Iranian-origin living in Hyderabad.

He will address a congregation at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad on Friday after offering Friday prayers, the official said, adding that religious scholars will also participate in the session.

Rouhani is also expected to visit historic sites, including the Qutub Shahi tombs at Golconda here.

This is Rouhani's second visit to Hyderabad and the first after becoming president.

He would stay at the Taj Krishna hotel tonight, and leave for New Delhi Friday evening.