Kathmandu, April 30 — Portugal’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dr Ana Isabel Xavier, currently on a three-day official visit to Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
During the meeting, Minister Khanal welcomed the Government of Portugal’s decision to establish a diplomatic mission in Kathmandu and assured full support from the Government of Nepal for its establishment. He also expressed appreciation for Portugal’s positive consideration in addressing consular issues concerning Nepali nationals.
Recalling his telephone conversation held on April 1, 2026, with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel, Minister Khanal noted the growing engagement between the two countries.
On the occasion, Dr. Xavier congratulated Minister Khanal on his recent appointment and extended her best wishes for a successful tenure.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Xavier at the Ministry. The meeting reviewed various aspects of Nepal–Portugal relations, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral ties, particularly following the first meeting of the Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held in Lisbon in February 2026.
In both meetings, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in areas such as tourism, investment, trade and labour, digitization, while also exploring new avenues of collaboration.
Foreign Secretary Rai also hosted a luncheon in honour of Dr. Xavier and her delegation.
Dr. Xavier is scheduled to depart Kathmandu on May 1, 2026.
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