Today I announce the appointment of Mr Simon Ernst as Australia's next Ambassador to Nepal.
Australia and Nepal are celebrating 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Our relationship is underpinned by strong people-to-people links, with almost 200,000 people of Nepalese heritage calling Australia home.
Australia is a strong development partner with Nepal. Our Australia Awards scholarships enable postgraduate study in Australia, building skills and leadership to support Nepal's development priorities. In 2025, Australia welcomed 18 scholars from Nepal to commence their studies through this program.
Australia welcomes the appointment of Rt Hon Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister of Nepal as a step towards preparing for parliamentary elections. As a longstanding partner, we support the people of Nepal during this time.
Mr Ernst is a career public servant and has previously served overseas in Indonesia.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Ms Leann Johnston for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Nepal since 2024.