KATHMANDU, May 11:  Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia will visit Nepal, along with Bangladesh, India and Bhutan, this week.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the countries, discuss shared strategic interests and further Australia’s trade and investment ties. It is also said to be a key opportunity to build on strong people-to-people links between each of the countries. 

Watts will represent Australia at the 6th Indian Ocean Conference in Bangladesh. The Conference is the flagship forum for key partners in the Indian Ocean region to discuss regional cooperation, growth, and security. This year’s Conference theme is Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future. 

Similarly, In Bhutan, Watts is set to meet with government, community and religious leaders, building on our warm connection and the visit of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji to Australia last year. 

Likewise, traveling onwards to Kathmandu, Watts will discuss opportunities to advance our strong education and people-to-people ties with Nepal, our third largest international student market. 

In India, Watts will formally open Australia’s Consulate-General in Kolkata, which is the commercial hub and cultural capital of eastern India. 

 
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