KATHMANDU, Dec 13: In the first week of December, the U.S. government helped repatriate four ancient statues stolen from Nepal and smuggled to the US by traffickers. The statues, including two Bhairabh masks and stone idols of Shiva Parvati (Uma Maheshwar) and Durga dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, were officially handed over to the Government of Nepal on December 5.
Despite the close proximity of Australia and Nepal, there aren't many visits between the two nations. A significant event was Tim Watts' recent visit as Australia's assistant minister for foreign affairs.
The visit to focus on underlining Australia’s close and growing relationship with Nepal and explore opportunities for future engagement, according to Australian Embassy in Kathmandu.
The Australian Assistant Foreign Minister s statement comes amid Nepal preparing to operate services to Australia, four years after signing an air service agreement.