Talks in Kathmandu highlighted economic cooperation, education links and regional climate resilience, with Australia pointing to shared democratic values and the Nepali diaspora’s role in stronger ties.
A senior Australian government delegation has concluded a three-day visit to Nepal after reaffirming bilateral ties and exploring expanded cooperation in trade, investment, education, climate action and sustainable development.
Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary of the South and Central Asia Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, led the delegation.
During the visit, Storey and Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai co-chaired the Third Nepal-Australia Bilateral Consultation Mechanism.
She also co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement Committee with Industry, Commerce and Supplies Secretary Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadee. The meeting was aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Australian Embassy said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing shared interests in regional and multilateral forums.
Australia also recognised the contribution of the Nepali diaspora in Australia to strengthening people-to-people ties through their skills, entrepreneurship and investment.
Storey attended a reception with Nepali alumni of Australian universities and met students, academics, youth leaders and foreign policy experts at Tribhuvan University, where she spoke about the future of Australia-Nepal relations.
“Our shared commitment to democratic principles and the rules-based order is a key pillar of our relationship and provides a strong foundation for working together to advance our shared interests,” Storey said.
She also visited the Living Mountain Lab at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, where she highlighted Australia’s support for regional cooperation in natural resource management, climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
The Australian Embassy said the visit reflected growing momentum in relations between Australia and Nepal and the potential for broader cooperation in the years ahead.
