Kathmandu. Nepal and Australia have agreed to further expand bilateral economic partnership.
In a meeting held in Melbourne on Thursday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Sishir Khanal and Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong discussed on expanding collaboration in trade, investment, technology transfer, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, tourism and labour mobility. During the meeting, the two ministers pledged to further consolidate the long-standing friendly relations between Nepal and Australia in areas of mutual interest. On the occasion, Australian Foreign Minister Wang expressed condolences to the families and communities affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal and said Australia stands with Nepal in the rescue, early recovery and reconstruction.
Bang announced an additional $15 million for flood and disaster-hit Nepal. The amount will add to the AU$11 million that Australia previously committed to emergency response. The new assistance will focus on relief and early recovery.
Minister Khanal expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance received from the Australian government and the Australian people during the time of disaster. He said that the assistance received during the time of crisis has further reflected the long-standing friendly relations between Nepal and Australia.
The meeting also discussed the common risks posed by climate change to Nepal and the countries of the Pacific region. Khanal urged Australia to effectively address the unequal and serious impacts of climate change on the Himalayan ecosystem, especially in the context of the upcoming COP31. Likewise, the meeting also discussed expanding cooperation in the areas of climate adaptation, early warning system, disaster risk reduction and climate-resilient infrastructure development.
The issue of expanding educational cooperation between the two countries also found a place in the meeting. During the meeting, views were exchanged on the establishment of Australia-accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Nepal and for forwarding initiatives to establish satellite campuses of Australian universities in Nepal.
Highlighting the contribution of Nepali students and diaspora to Australia’s multicultural society and economy, Minister Khanal urged the government to make conducive and equitable arrangements for eligible Nepali students in course of policy changes related to student visa.
Similarly, the issue of establishing direct air connectivity between Nepal and Australia has also been discussed. Direct air connectivity is expected to further facilitate tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people relations.
Foreign Minister Wang said Australia was committed to further strengthening its partnership with Nepal in the coming days. The two sides agreed to continue regular high-level exchanges and cooperate to translate the understandings reached at the meeting into concrete outcomes.
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