Australian support helping Nepal build a strong future
Media release
7 August 2012
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Richard Marles has called on Nepalese Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shreshta during his two day visit to Nepal.
Mr Marles said he hoped political parties in Nepal would soon agree on a new roadmap for democracy.
"Australia looks forward to Nepal finalising a constitution and tackling the complex issues of federal re-structuring," Mr Marles said.
"Nepal has many friends and a growing community of Nepalese in Australia who want to see it achieve lasting peace and prosperity."
Mr Marles said discussions during his visit focussed on Australian aid and support for Nepal.
"Australia has more than tripled its assistance in the past five years.
"In 2012-13 AusAID will invest $35 million in education, health, rural livelihoods and governance reform to improve the quality of life of Nepalese people."
Mr Marles visited Tripadma Higher Secondary School in the Kathmandu Valley, which has been made earthquake resistant as part of an AusAID supported safe schools program.
"Nepal is vulnerable to natural disasters, and I am pleased Australia is part of a collective donor effort to reduce the risk to Nepali school children."
Mr Marles also visited the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, a world-class eye health facility in Kathmandu which is working to alleviate avoidable blindness, and is supported by AusAID and the Australian NGO, the Fred Hollows Foundation.
Media enquiries
- Parliamentary Secretary's Office: (02) 6277 4330
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555
- AusAID Media: 0417 680 590