Nepal-Portugal Hold First Bilateral Consultation Mechanism Meeting in Lisbon

The first meeting of the Nepal-Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was held in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

During the meeting held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon, an agreement was reached to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the areas of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and science-technology.

The meeting reviewed all aspects of Nepal-Portugal relations, including political, economic, and consular matters. Both sides also exchanged views on climate change and regional and multilateral issues of common concern.

Foreign Secretary Bharat Bahadur Rai led the Nepali delegation, while Dr. Ana Isabel Xavier, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, led the Portuguese side. The Nepali delegation included Nepali Ambassador to Portugal Prakash Mani Poudel, Joint Secretary and Head of the Europe Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Deputy Secretary Uttam Ghimire, and senior officials from the Embassy.

Nepali Ambassador to Portugal Prakash Mani Poudel informed that the meeting involved a comprehensive review of overall bilateral relations between Nepal and Portugal, along with in-depth discussions on common interests, mutual benefits, and enhancing further cooperation and assistance. He stated that a special request was made to the Portuguese side to facilitate the resolution of document attestation issues faced by Nepalis residing in Portugal.

On that occasion, Foreign Secretary Rai expressed gratitude to the Government of Portugal for its goodwill towards the Nepali community residing in Portugal. Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr. Xavier praised the contribution made by the Nepali community to the Portuguese economy. Following the meeting, Dr. Xavier hosted a luncheon in honor of the visiting Nepali delegation.

Furthermore, Foreign Secretary Rai interacted with officials related to the renewable energy sector at the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency. He also suggested that Portuguese investors discuss investment in Nepal with Nepal's Investment Board regarding hydropower generation, transmission, and distribution, among other energy sectors. The Nepal-Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism was established in 2018.