KATHMANDU, April 6: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held a telephone conversation with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne today to take account of Nepali nationals, especially large number of students in Australia.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Payne expressed appreciation to the Government of Nepal for facilitating the repatriation of Australian tourists stranded in Nepal.

On his part, Gyawali requested for the welfare and safety of Nepali nationals, in particular Nepali students, in Australia amid COVID-19 outbreak.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the potential direct flight of Nepal Airlines to Australia and noted that the recent chartered flight provided an opportunity to assess the technical feasibility for future commercial flights, according to the ministry.

This year Nepal and Australia are celebrating the 60th year of establishment of diplomatic relations as well.

Amidst this global pandemic, the COVID-19 has also hit Australia. Thousands of Nepali students have been residing in various cities of Australia in search of better education and employment. To date, 8 Nepali students have been tested positive for coronavirus in Australia. Australian PM Morrison has advised foreign students to leave his country if they cannot survive there themselves. The decision is likely to affect thousands of Nepali students.

 
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