Press Release- Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Khanal and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ms Penny Wong Held Bilateral Talks in Melbourne

Press Release

Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Khanal and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ms Penny Wong Held Bilateral Talks in Melbourne

Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Shisir Khanal held bilateral talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia, Senator the Hon. 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 matters of mutual interest. 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.

Minister Khanal extended sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for their prompt and generous humanitarian assistance, highlighting that such solidarity in times of crisis reflects the enduring goodwill between the two countries.

In the context of shared climate vulnerabilities, Minister Khanal urged Australia to utilise its international leadership role, including the upcoming COP31 co-presidency, to highlight the disproportionate impacts of climate change on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. He also underscored the need for enhanced bilateral partnership in climate adaptation, early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and building climate-resilient infrastructure.

The two leaders also discussed avenues to deepen educational cooperation, exploring initiatives such as the establishment of Australian-accredited Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes. Emphasizing the vital contributions of Nepali students and the broader diaspora to Australia’s multicultural fabric and economy, Minister Khanal requested favorable considerations for Nepali students under recent student visa policy revisions.

The Ministers explored multifaceted avenues to elevate bilateral partnership, with particular focus on trade and foreign direct investment, technology transfer, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, tourism promotion, labor mobility, and the establishment of direct air connectivity between Nepal and Australia.

Minister Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Nepal and welcomed continued collaboration across priority sectors.

The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to sustain regular high-level exchanges and work closely to translate the understandings reached into tangible outcomes for the mutual benefit of both peoples.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Singhadurbar, Kathmandu

08 October 2026