Foreign Secretary Rai to Lead Landmark Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Talks in Lisbon

Kathmandu, Nepal, FebruaForeign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai is scheduled to depart for Lisbon on Tuesday to lead a high-level Nepali delegation for the inaugural meeting of the Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism. The meeting, slated for February 20, represents the most significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the mechanism was formally established in 2018 to enhance economic and diplomatic cooperation.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Monday, Secretary Rai will co-chair the landmark session. The consultations are expected to facilitate a comprehensive review of the current state of Nepal–Portugal relations, while also focusing on aligning interests within regional and multilateral forums. The agenda highlights a shared commitment to deepening ties across various sectors of mutual interest.

A major highlight of the visit will be the official inauguration of the newly established Nepali Embassy in Lisbon. This institutional expansion is a strategic move by the Government of Nepal to provide better consular services and administrative support to its citizens abroad. During his stay, Secretary Rai is also scheduled to interact with representatives of the local Nepali community to discuss their welfare and contributions.

The visit is particularly significant given the "diaspora factor," as Portugal has become a primary destination for Nepali migrants in Europe. Recent estimates suggest that more than 40,000 Nepali nationals currently reside and work in Portugal across various professional sectors. The establishment of a permanent diplomatic mission and these high-level talks are expected to streamline support for this growing community.

The Foreign Secretary will be accompanied by a delegation comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal’s resident Ambassador to Portugal, and other diplomatic staff. Following the conclusion of the bilateral meetings and community engagements, Secretary Rai is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on February 22.