KATHMANDU: Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Information and Communications, Bikram Timilsina, today.

Various issues related to development partnership such as strengthening bilateral relations were discussed during the meeting held at Ministry. Empowerment of media sector and digital transformation, enforcement of federalism and other topics surfaced in the meeting.

On the occasion, Minister Timilsina thanked the Australian government for its continued assistance to the development endeavours of Nepal. He also expressed confidence the Australian support to Nepal would continue in the days ahead. The Minister urged for the continuation of scholarship scheme provided by Australia to Nepali students and even expand the scope of scholarships.

The government of Nepal is working untiringly for modernization and reform of the postal service as a priority, the Minister said, adding that Nepal wants to learn from Australia’s experience and successful practices on it. However, technical assistance is needed to apply the best practice on modernization of postal service.

Minister Timilsina shared Nepal government’s ongoing initiatives to integrate technology in public service for better and prompt delivery. Expansion of digital infrastructure was forwarded as per goal of building a Digital Nepal, the Minister shared, expecting Australia’s support in this connection.

Nepal’s full commitment to human rights, freedom of press and expression were also reiterated by the Minister. The government is however for making journalism responsible, accountable, credible and professional along with capacity building and fact-checking skills.

They observed that the people-to-people relations between Nepal and Australia were reinforced in recent years.

Ambassador Ernst stated that Nepal and Australia were extending cooperation as development partners for a long time and expressed his interest in areas where further cooperation could be spurred in future. While protection and promotion of freedom of expression is imperative in a democracy, increasing misinformation and disinformation have been seen as a challenge in recent times, so collective efforts are imperative to control it, according to him.

Ernst pledged Australian support for effective enforcement of federal governance in Nepal along with necessary technical and institutional support.