Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, articulated Nepal’s readiness to welcome Australian technology and investment in the country’s transition to green energy. Minister Khadka said it in a courtesy call paid by Australian Ambassador to Nepal Leann Johnston at his office on Monday.
According to National News Agency Nepal, there is a tremendous potential for cooperation between Nepal and Australia in the areas of hydropower development, renewable energy, modernization of the transmission system, climate-resilient irrigation, clean energy, infrastructure, and technology, the Minister reminded.
Expressing his happiness over the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia, Minister Khadka also conveyed his gratitude to Australia for its continuous support to Nepal. He acknowledged the role of the scholarship and capacity-building programmes provided by the Australian government to Nepal in strengthening Nepal’s human resources.
Australian Ambassador Johnston reciprocated by extending a formal invitation to Minister Khadka to participate in the International Pump Storage Hydroelectric Conference to be held in Paris, France from coming September 8 to 10. The Australian Envoy congratulated Minister Khadka for rolling out a roadmap for the development of the energy sector in Nepal during his tenure and extended her best wishes for its successful implementation. She further expressed her confidence that the development of hydropower, while maintaining environmental balance, would be beneficial for Nepal.
Johnston also pledged the Australian government’s continuous support and partnership in Nepal for ambitious projects such as hydropower.