Kathmandu: The first meeting of the Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon on February 20, marking a significant step toward strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, while the Portuguese side was headed by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr. Ana Isabel Xavier.
Nepal’s Ambassador to Portugal, Prakash Mani Paudel, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Nepal in Lisbon, were also present at the meeting.
During the consultations, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of Nepal–Portugal relations, covering political, economic and consular matters. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest, including climate change and cooperation within the multilateral system.
Both sides agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and science and technology.
Foreign Secretary Rai requested the Portuguese side’s facilitation in addressing concerns faced by the Nepali community in Portugal, particularly regarding consular attestation and document verification. The Portuguese side positively noted the issues raised by Nepal.
On the occasion, Foreign Secretary Rai expressed appreciation to the Government of Portugal for welcoming and embracing the Nepali community living in the country. Secretary of State Dr. Xavier, in turn, acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Nepali community to Portugal’s economy.
Following the meeting, the head of the Portuguese delegation hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Nepali delegation.
Moreover, Foreign Secretary Rai held an interactive meeting with stakeholders from the renewable energy sector at the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP). A presentation on Portugal’s energy policy was delivered during the session. Secretary Rai suggested that AICEP hold working-level discussions with Nepal’s Investment Board to explore potential investment opportunities for Portuguese investors in Nepal’s clean energy sector, including hydroelectricity generation, transmission and distribution.
Foreign Secretary Rai also paid a courtesy call on Francisco Maria de Sousa Ribeiro Telles, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.
