Nepal-Portugal bilateral consultation mechanism meeting concludes

Lisbon (Portugal), Feb 21: The first meeting of the Nepal-Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting concluded in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. 

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

The meeting reviewed all aspects of Nepal-Portugal relations, including political, economic, and consular issues. 

Both sides also discussed climate change and regional as well as multilateral issues of mutual interest. 

The Nepali delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, while the Portuguese side was led by Dr Ana Isabel Xavier, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal. 

The Nepali delegation comprises Nepali Ambassador to Portugal Prakash Mani Paudel, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Europe Division Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Undersecretary Uttam Ghimire, along with senior officials from the embassy. 

The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of Nepal-Portugal bilateral relations and engaged in in-depth discussions and deliberations on matters of mutual concern, shared interests, further cooperation, and enhancement of collaboration, Nepali Ambassador to Portugal Paudel told RSS. 

He stated that the Portuguese side was specially requested to facilitate the resolution of document authentication problems faced by Nepalese living in Portugal. 

'A request has also been made for the establishment of a Portuguese embassy in Nepal. The meeting has opened a new door of possibilities between the two countries,' Ambassador Paudel said. 

On the occasion, Foreign Secretary Rai expressed gratitude to the Portuguese government for its goodwill towards the Nepalese community living in Portugal. 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr Javier praised the contribution of the Nepalese community to the Portuguese economy. 

After the meeting, Dr Xavier hosted a luncheon in honour of the Nepalese delegation visiting Portugal. 

Similarly, Foreign Secretary Rai interacted with officials from the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency concerned with the renewable energy sector. 

He also suggested discussing with the Nepal Investment Board for investment in Nepal by Portuguese investors in areas such as hydropower generation, transmission, and distribution. 

The embassy stated that the meeting discussed strengthening bilateral diplomatic relations. The Nepal–Portugal bilateral consultative mechanism was established in 2018 AD. (RSS)