Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged continued Australian support for Nepal’s recovery from devastating floods and landslides, telling Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah that Australia stands with the country as it rebuilds.
Albanese met Shah on Friday on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the two leaders discussed Nepal’s disaster recovery and Australia’s assistance to date.
The Prime Minister expressed sympathy for those affected by the disaster and for the families of Australian citizens who remain missing.
“As Nepal recovers from catastrophic floods and devastation, Australia stands with its people as they rebuild and grieve,” Albanese said.
“Meeting with Prime Minister Balen Shah at the United Nations today, I offered Australia’s deepest sympathies to those affected and detailed Australia’s aid efforts so far.”
“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of those Australians who are still missing,” he added.
Albanese said Australia would continue working with Nepal to ensure assistance reaches communities affected by the disaster.
“We’ll keep working with Nepal to get help where it’s needed most.”
The meeting came as Nepal continues its recovery following catastrophic flooding, with Prime Minister Shah highlighting the disaster and its climate-related impacts during his UN address.
Australia has previously deployed humanitarian assistance and emergency response personnel to Nepal.
Albanese said earlier this month that an Australian C-17A aircraft had transported humanitarian supplies to Kathmandu, while Australian response personnel were supporting efforts on the ground.
The disaster has also had a significant impact on Australians with family and personal connections to Nepal.
Albanese said earlier that the Government remained focused on supporting Australian families whose loved ones were unaccounted for.
In his National Statement to the UN on Friday, Albanese also highlighted Australia’s broader approach to responding to disasters and international crises, saying Australians “always respond generously with humanitarian assistance”.
“When countries facing disaster and conflict reach out for help, Australians always respond generously with humanitarian assistance.”
Albanese said Australia’s approach was centred on “listening, partnering, protecting” as it worked with countries and international institutions on global challenges.
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