Nepal–Portugal BCM meeting concludes in Lisbon

Febraury 21, Kathmandu: The first meeting of the Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) concluded in Lisbon on Friday, marking a step forward in bilateral engagement between Nepal and Portugal.

Held at Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and science and technology. The two sides reviewed political, economic, and consular matters, and exchanged views on climate change as well as regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The Nepali delegation was led by Amrit Bahadur Rai, while the Portuguese side was headed by Ana Isabel Xavier. The Nepali team included Ambassador Prakash Mani Paudel, Europe Division Head Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Undersecretary Uttam Ghimire, and other officials.

Ambassador Paudel said Nepal requested Portugal’s support to resolve document authentication issues faced by Nepalese residents and proposed opening a Portuguese embassy in Nepal. Foreign Secretary Rai thanked the Portuguese government for its goodwill toward the Nepalese community, while Portuguese officials acknowledged the community’s contribution to the local economy.

Following the meeting, Dr Xavier hosted a luncheon for the Nepali delegation. Rai also met officials from the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency to discuss potential investment in Nepal’s renewable energy sector, including hydropower. The BCM was established in 2018.