It has been agreed to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the fields of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and science and technology.
What you should know
The first meeting of the Nepal-Portugal Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) has been held in the Portuguese capital Lisbon. The meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon on Friday agreed to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the fields of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and science and technology.
The meeting reviewed the overall aspects of Nepal-Portugal relations, including political, economic and consular matters. Both sides also discussed climate change and regional and multilateral issues of common concern.
The Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, while the Portuguese side was led by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, Dr. Ana Isabel Javier. The Nepali delegation was attended by Nepali Ambassador to Portugal Prakash Mani Poudel, Joint Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Europe Division Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Under Secretary Uttam Ghimire and senior officials of the embassy.
The meeting reviewed the overall bilateral relations between Nepal and Portugal and held in-depth discussions and discussions on common interests, mutual benefits, further cooperation and enhancement of cooperation, informed Nepali Ambassador to Portugal Prakash Mani Poudel. He said that a special request has been made to the Portuguese side to facilitate the resolution of the problems related to document authentication faced by Nepalis living in Portugal.
'There has also been a request for the establishment of a Portuguese embassy in Nepal. The meeting has opened the door to new possibilities between the two countries,' Ambassador Poudel said.
On that occasion, Foreign Secretary Rai thanked the Portuguese government for its goodwill towards the Nepali community living in Portugal.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr. Xavier praised the contribution made by the Nepali community to the Portuguese economy. After the meeting, Dr. Xavier hosted a luncheon in honor of the Nepali delegation visiting Portugal.
Similarly, Foreign Secretary Rai interacted with officials related to the renewable energy sector at the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency. He also suggested that the Investment Board of Nepal discuss with Portuguese investors in the energy sector, including hydropower generation, transmission and distribution, for investment in Nepal.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Rai had a courtesy call on Francisco Maria de Sousa Ribeiro Telles, Secretary General of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The embassy said that discussions were held on further strengthening bilateral diplomatic relations during the meeting.
The delegation led by Foreign Secretary Rai is scheduled to return home today after completing the visit. The Nepal-Portugal bilateral consultation mechanism was established in 2018.
