PM Abbot meets Bhutanese boy in Hobart

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has met a Bhutanese family in Hobart, the capital of Australian state of Tasmania on Saturday.

The meeting was especially organised for Surjen Thapa, or Suman as he is called at home, at the initiative of Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Suman, being treated for leukaemia in Hobart, at his meeting with Abbot requested to allow his uncle, Bishnu, to join their family in Australia.

The 15 year old boy arrived in Australia 18 months ago along with three other family members.

“He’s receiving great treatment here and that wouldn’t have been possible had he have been in Nepal,” Robyn Moore from the Make A Wish Foundation told local media.

Speaking through a translator, Surjen thanked Mr Abbott for the medical treatment he was receiving.

Abbott said he could not offer any guarantees, but that it was very nice to meet the boy and his family.

“Obviously, this is a pretty tough time in Surjen’s life, but it’s good to be here with him,” he said.

“It’s very gratifying to have the thanks of Surjen and his family for the welcome that they’ve received here in Australia.”