Niru Tripathi
Niru Tripathi, Editor-in-Chief of CALD Voices magazine, had the honor of conducting an insightful interview with Hon Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia. Following his return from a momentous visit to South Asian countries, including Nepal, he shared his remarkable journey, brimming with enriching experiences and profound cultural insights. During his visit, he actively worked towards strengthening bilateral relationships and fostering a deeper connection between people, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections in building stronger ties between nations.
Minister, welcome back to Australia after your successful visit to South Asian countries, including Nepal. Thank you for joining me today.
Thank you for having me.
How was the overall trip?
The trip was indeed wonderful and productive. I had the opportunity to engage with four countries in South Asia and strengthen Australia’s ties with the region.
What was the purpose of your visit to South Asia, and did you have any particular agenda?
During my visit to South Asia, my primary purpose was to represent Australia at the 6th Indian Ocean Conference held in Bangladesh. This conference serves as a flagship forum for key partners in the Indian Ocean region to engage in discussions pertaining to regional cooperation, growth, and security. Nepal was an integral part of my broader visit to South Asia, which aimed to enhance Australia’s engagement with the region. We have a keen interest in understanding the ongoing changes in South Asia and fostering relationships that are peaceful, prosperous, and resilient, grounded in shared values. This region is currently experiencing significant changes influenced by economic trends, climate change, and geopolitical dynamics.
Our objective is to actively contribute to the region’s development by promoting mutual cooperation and understanding. We seek to build relationships that are based on respect, inclusivity, and the principles of shared governance. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to create an environment where all nations in South Asia can thrive and progress together.
What were the key principles of governance and international relations that were emphasized during your visit to South Asia?
During my visit, an underlying theme of the discussions centered around the principles of governance based on rules, norms, and international laws. It is crucial for each country to be able to make independent decisions and exercise their own judgments without coercion. The objective is to foster an environment where no country dominates, is dominated, or seeks domination. This approach emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, cooperation, and equal partnerships among nations.
By focusing on these principles and fostering diplomatic dialogue, we aim to contribute to a region where all countries can thrive and progress together. The conversations held throughout my visit to South Asia were guided by these principles, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity, collaboration, and a shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future in the region.
How did you find Nepal’s beauty, culture and people?
I found Nepal’s beauty, culture, and people to be simply amazing. This being my first visit to Nepal, the warm welcome I received was truly remarkable. It had been a considerable amount of time since the last ministerial visit from Australia to Nepal, making it an honor for me to be there.
I recall you mentioning that your father had visited Nepal before. Did you find it as beautiful and captivating as your father had described?
Absolutely. My father has a strong connection with Nepal, and now I understand why. Nepal is a breathtakingly beautiful country with rich culture and history. It truly lived up to the descriptions my father had shared with me.
What was the most exciting thing you did during your trip to Nepal?
During my trip to Nepal, there were many exciting experiences, but one that stood out was meeting Australian alumni in Kathmandu. These individuals, including professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, biological sciences, forensics, and politics, had studied in Australia and returned to Nepal, making significant contributions in their respective areas. Meeting them and witnessing their diverse expertise and impact on Nepal’s development was truly inspiring. It was remarkable to see how every aspect of Nepal’s society had been touched by their connections with Australia.
How many days did you stay in Nepal?
I originally planned to stay in Nepal for two days, but the amazing weather and the breathtaking views of Kathmandu and the Himalayas compelled me to extend my stay by an extra night.
Did you explore Nepali cuisine, and if so, what was your favorite?
Yes, I had the opportunity to explore Nepali cuisine during my last day in Kathmandu. Exploring Nepali cuisine was an absolute delight. I attended a lunch prepared by two Newari chefs who had lived in Australia for an extended period. They skillfully combined Newari cuisine with Australian influences, creating a delicious fusion of flavors. And of course, I couldn’t miss trying the iconic MoMos, a true Nepali-Newari delicacy enjoyed during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
How do you see the Nepali community here in Australia?
The Nepali community in Australia is the fastest-growing community, with many Australians having personal connections to individuals of Nepali heritage in their communities. This has contributed to fostering a strong people-to-people relationship between our nations. With around 130,000 Australians of Nepali heritage, it’s truly amazing to witness the impact of Nepali migration and the cultural richness it brings to Australia.
Considering the significant number of Nepali students studying in Australia, has there been any discussion or consideration to establish a visa processing center in Kathmandu?
The Department of Home Affairs runs visa processing hubs in various parts of the world, and one of them is in India. While there is no specific visa processing center in every country. But I can assure you that all visa applications from Nepal are treated with the same level of importance and efficiency as applications from other countries. The processing time is comparable, and we warmly welcome Nepali students to study and work in Australia.
It has been a long time since there has been an official visit from Nepal to Australia. What do you think has contributed to this slower pace of engagement, particularly in terms of official visits?
While we welcome a state visit from Nepal, it ultimately depends on the Nepali government to decide when they wish to take this opportunity. During my visit, I had excellent discussions with Prime Minister and foreign Minister of Nepal, and it was evident that there is a strong connection between our countries. I believe more frequent visits can be done in the future and open discussions can further deepen our relationship.
I remember that prior to your visit to Nepal, there was a community consultation program to gather suggestions, feedback, and agendas to be discussed during your visit. It was indeed pleasing to note that some of those agendas have been taken seriously. I believe your meetings with Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Foreign Minister NP Saud were successful. Could you share the topics that were discussed during the meetings and any progress made on the agenda?
In our discussions, we covered a wide range of topics aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nepal and Australia. One of the primary areas of focus was the development programs in Nepal. We explored avenues for continued assistance from Australia in supporting Nepal’s development goals and addressing key challenges.
Additionally, we emphasized the importance of cooperation in international forums. Both Nepal and Australia share common perspectives and interests in areas such as promoting international law, human rights, and sustainable development. We discussed ways to collaborate and amplify our voices on these critical global issues.
Another significant aspect of our discussions was fostering people-to-people connections. We explored strategies to enhance cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism collaborations between our two nations. In this context, I had the opportunity to visit Kathmandu University, where we explored the potential for educational collaborations that would benefit Nepali students seeking world-class education in Australia. These initiatives aim to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture, traditions, and values.
The success of these meetings is indicative of the strong commitment from both Nepal and Australia to enhance cooperation and mutual understanding. We will continue to work closely to ensure the effective implementation of the discussed agendas and achieve meaningful outcomes for the benefit of both our nations.
The return of the Ratneshwor temple’s tundal to the Patan Museum is seen as a significant step in deepening cultural ties between Nepal and Australia. Can you provide some insight into how this return came about?
The return of the Ratneshwor temple’s tundal to the Patan Museum is indeed a significant step in deepening cultural ties between Nepal and Australia. The process leading to this return was initiated when the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia identified a tundal within their collection that rightfully belonged to the Ratneshwor temple in Nepal. It was discovered that the tundal had been stolen. Recognizing the importance of returning cultural artifacts to their rightful places, a decision was made to repatriate the tundal to Nepal. This act not only demonstrated a high standard of ethical conduct but also served as a positive example of fostering cultural preservation and respect between nations.
The return of the tundal also garnered attention worldwide, highlighting the significance of repatriating artworks to their original locations. By bringing this return to the spotlight, we aim to set an example of best practices in the restoration of cultural heritage.
This gesture signifies the commitment of both Nepal and Australia to preserve and protect cultural artifacts, as well as to deepen cultural understanding and collaboration. It is a testament to the strong cultural ties between our two countries and serves as a catalyst for further engagement in the field of arts, heritage, and cultural exchange.
With the increasing economic partnership between Australia and Nepal, Nepal Airlines is a step closer to launching flights to Australia. How do you believe economic cooperation can be further supported?
The people-to-people connection between Australia and Nepal creates enormous demand for direct flights between two countries. We already have an air services agreement in place, and I understand that Nepal Airlines has submitted the necessary applications and approvals for flight slots to Australia. Once everything is finalized, I believe there will be a significant demand for travel between the two nations, including students, tourists, and businesspeople.
What are some challenges in working with countries from the South Asian region, and how does Australia plan to address them in its foreign policy?
While more than challenges, our focus is on identifying opportunities rather than dwelling on difficulties. We see tremendous potential in working closely with countries in the South Asian region. We share common interests in areas such as maritime security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. Australia plans to continue engaging with South Asian countries through dialogue, collaboration, and the pursuit of shared goals.
Before we conclude, is there any final message or key point you would like to share with our viewers?
I would like to emphasize the warmth and hospitality I experienced from the Nepali people during my visit. It was truly touching to witness the deep connection and potential for collaboration between Nepal and Australia. This trip served as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the immense potential for two countries to work together economically, diplomatically, and across various sectors. I hope that my visit inspires others to follow suit and explore the possibilities of collaboration. Lastly, I look forward to the day when Nepal Airlines operates direct flights to Kathmandu, further facilitating the exchange and strengthening of our bilateral ties.
Thank you for your time and sharing your insights with us. We appreciate your efforts in fostering stronger ties between Australia and Nepal.
Pleasure is all mine.
Photo Credit: Habib Ali
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