GNN, CANBERRA — Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has met Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations, promote the interests of the Nepali community in Australia, and enhance cooperation on climate change and disaster risk reduction.

According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting covered the six-decade-long friendship between Nepal and Australia, the contributions of the Nepali diaspora to Australian society, and the welfare of Nepali students studying in Australia. Both sides also discussed opportunities to further deepen bilateral ties.

During the meeting, Minister Khanal highlighted Nepal’s climate priorities ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) and called for Australia’s support. He emphasised the need for greater cooperation in protecting the Himalayan region, mitigating the impacts of climate change, strengthening climate resilience, and establishing effective early warning systems to reduce disaster risks.

Earlier, on Thursday, October 8, Khanal held bilateral talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Melbourne. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, foreign investment, technology transfer, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, tourism promotion, and labour mobility.

The two ministers also explored ways to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand technical and vocational education programmes in Nepal in partnership with Australian educational institutions.

Foreign Minister Wong expressed condolences to families and communities affected by the recent floods in Nepal and reaffirmed Australia’s continued support for rescue operations, recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. She announced an additional AUD 15 million in assistance for relief and early recovery in flood-affected areas.

With the additional commitment, Australia’s total announced assistance for Nepal’s flood response has reached AUD 26 million, including AUD 11 million previously pledged for emergency response efforts.

On the same day, Khanal met Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, in Sydney. Minns expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by flooding in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi region and said his state was willing to support recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The meeting also explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, energy, mining, infrastructure, and technical and vocational education.

Khanal also engaged with representatives of the Nepali community in Australia. Following an inspection of Nepal’s embassy in Canberra and its proposed embassy building, he held an interaction with representatives of various Nepali organisations.

During the meeting, representatives of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) branch of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia submitted a memorandum outlining concerns and priorities related to the safety of Nepali citizens, the establishment of an emergency assistance fund, the effective implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship provisions, and the expansion of economic, social, and cultural ties between Nepal and Australia.

Khanal pledged to give due consideration to the concerns and recommendations raised by the community.

The foreign minister’s visit is part of Nepal’s broader efforts to strengthen relations with Australia in climate diplomacy, disaster management, education, trade, and people-to-people engagement.

Before arriving in Australia, Khanal participated in a leaders’ event on preparations for COP31 held in Fiji and Tuvalu on October 5 and 6. According to the itinerary published by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he is scheduled to return to Nepal on October 12.