Today I announce the appointment of Ms Felicity Volk as Australia's next Ambassador to Nepal.
Australia and Nepal celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2020, though Australia's close relationship with Nepal predates the establishment of diplomatic links in 1960.
This relationship is built on shared interests in regional stability, security and prosperity, and is underpinned by an active Nepali community in Australia. Each year many Nepali students come to Australia to study, develop skills and experience to support Nepal's economy, while many Australian tourists travel to Nepal.
Amid the challenges associated with COVID-19 in 2020, Nepal supported the Australian Government's efforts to bring home over 1,400 Australians, including on Nepal's national carrier Nepal Airlines. This was made possible by close and valued cooperation with the Nepal Government. Building on a long history of development cooperation, we will continue to support Nepal's response to COVID-19 and longer-term recovery.
Ms Volk is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Director, New Colombo Plan Secretariat. She has previously served overseas in Vientiane and Dhaka.
Ms Volk holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Queensland.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Peter Budd for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Nepal since 2017.
