KATHMANDU: Australian Ambassador to Nepal Peter Budd on Monday paid a farewell call on Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota.

During the meeting, Speaker Sapkota discussed the 60-year-old cordial relations between Nepal and Australia and lauded the contribution made by Ambassador Budd during his tenure.

Stating that both Nepal and Australia are facing the challenge of COVID-19 and climate change, he stressed on the need to find new possibilities in the midst of the challenges.

Speaker Sapkota expressed confidence that the recent direct air service between Nepal and Australia would continue in the days to come.

He thanked for the Bhutanese refugee management and the assistance provided during the earthquake and expressed his confidence that Australia would continue its multifaceted assistance to Nepal.

During the farewell meeting, Ambassador Budd said that his stay in Nepal for three and a half years was pleasant and expressed his commitment to continue strengthening the relationship even after his return home.

Ambassador Budd expressed his confidence that the direct air service between Nepal and Australia would move ahead commercially in the coming days.