Foreign Affairs Minister Khanal and his Australian counterpart hold talks

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal held bilateral talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Penny Wong, in Melbourne today.

During the bilateral talks, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed the overall state of Nepal-Australia bilateral relations and exchanged views on entire gamut of mutual interest.

According to the press release issued by the MoFA, they expressed satisfaction over the close, longstanding and cordial ties between the two nations, which are underpinned by shared democratic values, mutual respect, and vibrant people-to-people connections.

Foreign Minister Wong conveyed her deep condolences and sympathies to the families and communities affected by the recent devastating floods in Nepal, reaffirming Australia’s solidarity and steadfast support for Nepal’s recovery and reconstruction endeavors.

On the occasion, Minister Wong announced an additional AUD 15 million in Australian assistance dedicated to relief and early recovery efforts, supplementing the AUD 11 million previously committed for emergency response operations.