Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Portuguese Deputy FM Xavier calls on FM Khanal

Nepal to support Portugal to open embassy in Kathmandu


Kathmandu, Apr. 30

Deputy Foreign Minister of Portugal Dr. Ana Isabel Xavier paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday.

She is in Nepal on her three-day visit at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

Recalling his telephone conversation with his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel, on 1 April 2026, FM Khanal welcomed the announcement of the Government of Portugal to open a diplomatic mission in Kathmandu.

"He assured the full support of the Government of Nepal for the establishment of the mission," the MoFA informed in a statement. He further expressed his appreciation to the Portuguese Government for its positive consideration in resolving consular cases of Nepali nationals.

Likewise, Dr. Xavier extended her congratulations to Minister Khanal on his appointment as foreign minister and wished him a successful tenure.

Earlier today, Foreign Secretary Rai held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Xavier, at the Ministry. During the meeting, they reviewed various aspects of Nepal–Portugal relations and expressed satisfaction over the momentum gained in Nepal-Portugal ties, especially 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 deepening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various areas of mutual interest such as tourism, investment, trade and labour, digitisation, as well as further exploring new avenues of cooperation," read the statement.

Dr. Xavier is scheduled to depart from Kathmandu on Friday. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 May 2026.          

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