Consultative mechanism between Nepal and Australia afoot

Kathmandu - A consultative mechanism between Nepal and Australia, aimed at providing an important forum to these two countries to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, is to be set up in Canberra of Australia within a week. 

It was shared amid an interaction programme organized by the Nepal Council of World Affairs in Lalitpur Wednesday. 

On the occasion, Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Peter Graeme Budd, expressed his confidence that set up of the mechanism would help lay a new basis for the Nepal and Australia relations as this year marks 57th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

According to him, the mechanism is expected to underpin a framework for regular Senior Officials Talks as well as provide a forum for talk shop on issues as climate change, trade and investment, regional security and refugees. 

Ambassador Budd also pledged Australian government's support to Nepal for the formulation of the national water resources policy and its implementation. 

On the occasion, the Australian envoy shared that the Australian government this year would provide Nepal financial aid amounting to estimated USD 34 million in the sectors of education, health, hydro power, public financial management, sustainable forest management, civil aviation, livestock rearing and food storage among others. 

He also reiterated Australia's support for Nepal's graduation from the existing Least Developing Country's status to the developing one by 2022 as well as for the economic prosperity. 

Similarly, Council's Chair Hemanta Kharel and Secretary-General Asim Thapa talked on various aspects of Nepal-Australia's relationship.