Portugal to Establish Consular Office in Kathmandu

Lisbon. The government of Portugal has announced the opening of its consular office in Kathmandu. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement via its official social media channels, Facebook and X, confirming the establishment of the office.

The decision by the Portuguese government to establish a consular office in Nepal is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to the promotion of mutual interests, cooperation, and support. Nepal had been requesting the Portuguese government to establish an embassy in Kathmandu.

The establishment of the consular office in Kathmandu will provide significant relief to Nepalis residing in Portugal. It is expected to end the compulsion of traveling to New Delhi, India, for visas, document verification, and other consular services.

With Portugal's diplomatic presence in Nepal, there are expectations for increased cooperation and support in sectors such as trade, investment, tourism, energy, agriculture, and technology.

Previously, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel held a telephone conversation on Wednesday. During the call, Minister Khanal drew Foreign Minister Rangel's attention to the legal and procedural issues faced by over 2,000 Nepali citizens currently in the Portuguese documentation process due to fake stamps on genuine police reports, requesting facilitation.

On that occasion, Foreign Minister Rangel praised the contribution of the Nepali community to the Portuguese economy and assured that he would positively initiate efforts with relevant authorities to review the cases of Nepali citizens facing legal and procedural difficulties from a humanitarian perspective.