KATHMANDU: Nepal and Australia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster response, climate resilience, education, trade and investment, with Australia announcing an additional Australian dollar 15 million in assistance to flood-affected Nepal.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced during a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in Melbourne on Thursday.
The two ministers exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, according to Minister Khanal’s secretariat.
The two ministers expressed satisfaction with the longstanding close, friendly and cordial relations between Nepal and Australia. They emphasized the need to further expand cooperation based on democratic values, mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties.
On the occasion, Australian Foreign Minister Wong expressed deep sorrow and sympathy for the families and communities affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal. She said Australia stood with Nepal in its post-disaster rescue, early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Minister Wong announced an additional A$15 million in assistance for flood- and disaster-affected communities in Nepal.
The additional assistance comes on top of the A$11 million that Australia had previously committed to emergency response efforts. The new funding will focus on relief and early recovery.
Minister Khanal expressed gratitude to the Australian Government and people for their prompt and generous humanitarian assistance during the disaster. He said Australia’s solidarity during the crisis reflected the longstanding goodwill and friendly relations between the two countries.
The meeting also discussed the common risks posed by climate change to Nepal and Pacific countries.
Minister Khanal urged the international community to more effectively highlight the disproportionate and serious impacts of climate change on the Himalayan ecosystem, particularly in the context of the upcoming COP31.
He emphasized the need to expand Nepal-Australia cooperation in climate adaptation, early warning systems, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, and the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure.
The two ministers also discussed expanding educational cooperation, according to Khanal’s secretariat.
They exchanged views on the possibility of establishing Australian-recognized Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Nepal and setting up satellite campuses of Australian universities in the country.
Citing the contribution of Nepali students and the Nepali diaspora to Australia’s multicultural society and economy, Minister Khanal urged Australia to ensure favorable and fair arrangements for genuine and qualified Nepali students in light of recent changes to student visa policies.
The two sides also discussed expanding the Nepal-Australia economic partnership, including cooperation in trade and foreign direct investment, technology transfer, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, tourism promotion and labor mobility.
They also discussed establishing direct air links between Nepal and Australia. Such links are expected to facilitate tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people relations.
Minister Wong expressed Australia’s commitment to continuing cooperation in priority areas and further strengthening the partnership with Nepal.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and work closely to translate the understandings reached during the meeting into concrete outcomes.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening and diversifying Nepal-Australia relations for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.
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