Australian ambassador Ernst pays courtesy call on PM Shah

Kathmandu, Oct 1: Australian Ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Balendra Shah at his office in Singha Durbar on Thursday.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shah expressed gratitude to the Australian government for its solidarity, humanitarian assistance and support for Nepal following recent floods and other disasters.

Shah thanked Australia for supporting search, rescue and relief operations, including the deployment of disaster response teams, expert personnel, relief supplies and equipment. He also acknowledged Australia’s A$11 million humanitarian assistance announced for Nepal.

The two sides discussed relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in flood-affected areas, as well as ongoing cooperation to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience.

Shah also highlighted the need for greater international cooperation to address the growing climate-related risks faced by mountainous countries such as Nepal. He stressed the importance of ensuring easy, adequate and predictable access to climate finance, including mechanisms related to loss and damage.

Ambassador Ernst expressed condolences over the loss and damage caused by recent natural disasters in Nepal and praised Nepal’s active engagement at the United Nations.

The meeting also covered various aspects of Nepal-Australia relations, including disaster management, climate change, human resource development and long-term bilateral cooperation.