Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami said has Nepal needs an enhanced level of assistance and cooperation from Australia to rebuild economic and social infrastructure in the post conflict situation.

Speaking at a function in Melbourne organised jointly by Embassy of Nepal and Consulate of Nepal in Victoria, Australia on April 19th, Yami expressed hope that the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries would open up more opportunities in bringing bilateral relations to a new height and called for meaningful cooperation in such vital areas as trade, tourism, investment, employment and education.

She underlined the need for having direct air connections between Australia and Nepal to promote cooperation in the field of tourism, adding that the Australian investment in tourism sector and resumption of visa services in Australian Embassy in Kathmandu would give a qualitative boost to promoting greater mobility and interaction between the two countries and peoples.

She also gave an update on the latest political and economic situation in Nepal and stated that integration of the Maoist combatants with Nepal Army must remain a priority as its success is critical in bringing the ongoing peace process to its logical conclusion.

The Australian Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson renewed Australian government’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s peace process and economic development. Highlighting the expanding Nepal – Australia relations Minister Ferguson opined that the recent formation in the Australian Parliament of a Nepal Friendship Group was an important initiative that would help strengthen bilateral relations.

He underscored that peace and stability in Nepal was vital not only for ending massive poverty in Nepal but also in ensuring peace and stability in South Asia and wished that Nepal Visit Year 2011 will help boost Nepal’s slack economy.

Parliament Secretary Elizabeth Beattie said she was happy to see increasing Nepalese community in Victoria. She underlined the need for preserving the mother tongue of the children in order to preserve culture and maintain linkages with their ancestral places.

Nepalese ambassador to Australia Yogendra Dhakal said year 2066 would be a year of constitutional writing and the year of logical conclusion of the peace process. He stated the 50th anniversary of Nepal-Australia diplomatic relations should provide an opportunity to reflect on the past achievements and build a new framework for enhanced level of cooperation in keeping with people’s aspirations and the opportunities available. nepalnews.com Apr 20 09