High-level Australian delegation visits Nepal, emphasizes expansion of bilateral cooperation
First Assistant Secretary Story stated that the shared commitment to an international order based on democratic values and rules has further strengthened the relationship between the two countries. He said, "Our shared commitment to an international order based on democratic values and rules is a key pillar of our relationship. It provides a strong foundation for working together to advance shared interests."
KATHMANDU:- An Australian government delegation, led by Sarah Storey—First Assistant Secretary of the South and Central Asia Division within Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—has concluded a three-day visit to Nepal.
Discussions during the visit focused on further strengthening the strong and long-standing partnership between Nepal and Australia. New opportunities for cooperation were identified in the areas of trade, investment, education, climate change, and sustainable development.
During the visit, First Assistant Secretary Story co-chaired the third meeting of the Nepal-Australia Bilateral Consultation Mechanism with Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. Similarly, he co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement Committee with Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadi, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. This meeting is regarded as a significant achievement in expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
Commitments were expressed during the meetings to further deepen bilateral relations, expand economic partnerships, and enhance cooperation on matters of shared interest within regional and multilateral forums. Highly appreciating the contributions of the Nepali community residing there, Australia noted that their skills, entrepreneurship, investments, and hard work have further strengthened the people-to-people ties between the two nations.
During the visit, First Assistant Secretary Story also held courtesy meetings with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle. Highlighting the education sector as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, he interacted with Nepali alumni of Australian universities at a reception held in their honor.
Additionally, discussions were held at Tribhuvan University with students, educationists, youth leaders, and foreign policy experts regarding the future direction of Australia-Nepal relations.
On that occasion, First Assistant Secretary Story stated that the shared commitment to an international order based on democratic values and rules has further strengthened the relationship between the two countries. He said, “Our shared commitment to an international order based on democratic values and rules is a key pillar of our relationship. It provides a strong foundation for working together to advance shared interests.”
During the visit, he also toured the ‘Living Mountain Lab’ in Godawari, operated by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). Discussions held on the occasion focused on Australia’s partnership with ICIMOD and its commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change. A commitment was also expressed for Australia’s continued support for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in the areas of natural resource management, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.
According to the Australian government, this visit has not only further invigorated Nepal-Australia relations but also created new opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in the coming years.
