Canberra: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, currently on a visit to Australia, has held high-level meetings in the capital, Canberra, and interacted with the local Nepali community.
During the visit, Minister Khanal inspected the Nepali embassy in Canberra and the site of the proposed embassy building. He then interacted with representatives of various Nepali organisations active in Australia. Participants raised the concerns, problems and suggestions of the Nepali community with the minister.
At the programme, Vice-President Lalit Malla and spokesperson Ashok Basnet of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) chapter of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia handed a memorandum to Minister Khanal.
The memorandum covers the protection of Nepali citizens in Australia, the establishment of an emergency assistance fund, effective implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship, and strengthening economic, social and cultural ties between Nepal and Australia.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Minister Khanal paid a courtesy call on Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn. During the meeting, he expressed heartfelt thanks to the Australian government and people for their support to Nepal after the unimaginable flood in the Bhotekoshi area.
Speaking to Onlinekhabar, Minister Khanal said his Australia visit has been fruitful. He also committed to implementing, on a priority basis, the suggestions received in his meetings with representatives of the Nepali community in Australia.
Having completed his scheduled programmes in Canberra, Minister Khanal left for Melbourne today. He is scheduled to return home on Saturday after completing his programmes in Melbourne.
