Australia to support Nepal in its development efforts

Kathmandu, Nov 12: Ambassador of Australia to Nepal, Leann Johnston, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari at his office in Singha Durbar today.

On the occasion, they held discussions on Nepal-Australia relations as well as on various matters of mutual interest and benefit, Minister Bhandari's private secretariat said. 

Mentioning that the mutual friendship, cooperation and partnership between Nepal and Australia has become stronger ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1960, Minister Bhandari expressed thankfulness to Australia for the support it has provided to Nepal in sectors as public health, livelihood and human resource development, among others. 

He drew the attention of the Australian Ambassador towards the additional foreign assistance that Nepal will require in the context of its graduation to a developed country status from the least developed country status in 2026.

Ambassador Johnston responded in the positive to the Minister's request. He also expressed his commitment to support Nepal in its development endeavours and to further expanding the Australia-Nepal relations. (RSS)