Australia Announces Additional A$15 Million Aid for Nepal’s Flood and Disaster Recovery

Kathmandu: Australia will provide an additional A$15 million to support Nepal’s response and recovery following the devastating floods that affected communities across the country.

The announcement was made by Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong during a bilateral meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal in Melbourne on Thursday.

The new funding will focus on relief and early recovery efforts in communities affected by the floods and other disasters.

Additional Support Comes on Top of A$11 Million

The newly announced A$15 million will be added to the A$11 million Australia had previously committed for Nepal’s emergency response.

This brings Australia’s recently committed disaster-related support to A$26 million.

Wong expressed deep sympathy for families and communities affected by the recent floods and said Australia would continue to stand with Nepal during relief, early recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Khanal thanked the Australian government and Australian people for their swift and generous humanitarian support during the crisis.

Nepal and Australia Discuss Wider Cooperation

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers discussed ways to further strengthen Nepal-Australia relations and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

They highlighted the long-standing friendly relationship between the two countries, based on democratic values, mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties.

The ministers also discussed:

• Climate change and its impact on Nepal and Pacific countries

• Disaster preparedness and risk reduction

• Early warning systems

• Climate-resilient infrastructure

• Education and technical training

• Trade and foreign investment

• Technology transfer

• Renewable energy

• Sustainable agriculture

• Tourism

• Labour mobility

• Direct air connectivity between Nepal and Australia

Education and Student Visa Issues Discussed

Education cooperation was also a major topic during the meeting.

The two sides discussed the possibility of establishing Australian-recognized technical and vocational education and training institutions in Nepal, as well as exploring potential satellite campuses of Australian universities in Nepal.

Khanal highlighted the contribution of Nepali students and the Nepali diaspora to Australia's multicultural society and economy.

He also urged Australia to ensure fair and favorable arrangements for genuine and eligible Nepali students following recent changes to student visa policies.

Climate Cooperation

Khanal also called for stronger Nepal-Australia cooperation on climate adaptation, early warning systems, disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness.

He urged Australia to use its international leadership, particularly ahead of COP31, to highlight the severe and unequal impacts of climate change on Nepal's Himalayan ecosystem.

Direct Flights Also Discussed

Nepal and Australia also discussed the possibility of establishing direct air connectivity between the two countries.

Both sides expect direct flights to make travel easier while supporting tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people relations.

Wong reaffirmed Australia's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nepal and continuing cooperation in priority areas.

The two countries also agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and work closely to turn the understandings reached during the meeting into concrete outcomes.