Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will arrive here this evening as part of his three-day India visit during which the two countries will discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The External Affairs Ministry had said earlier that during the visit of the president of Iran, both sides would review the progress achieved in bilateral relations and also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Rouhani will land at the Begumpet Airport around 4 PM today where Union Minister of State for Power R K Singh will welcome him. “He is scheduled to address Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics at 6:30 PM,” an official source said.

Telangana Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar Joshi, who held a coordination meeting yesterday at the state secretariat, directed officials of different departments to make foolproof arrangements for Rouhani’s visit.

During his two-day visit to the city, the Iranian president will be accompanied by 21 delegates. He will also interact with the Iranians settled in Hyderabad, the source said.

Rouhani will address a congregation at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad after offering Friday prayers, the source said, adding that religious scholars from different schools of thought will also participate in the session. He is also scheduled to visit the Salar Jung Museum tomorrow.

“The president of Iran is also expected to visit historic sites here, including the Qutub Shahi tombs at Golconda,” the source said.

This is the second time Rouhani will be visiting Hyderabad, but it is his first visit after assuming charge as the president. He will leave for New Delhi tomorrow, the source added.

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