Press Release- Courtesy Call on Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs by Deputy Foreign Minister of Portugal and Bilateral Meeting with Foreign Secretary of Nepal

Deputy Foreign Minister H. E. Dr Ana Isabel Xavier, who is currently in Nepal on her three-day visit at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Mr Shisir Khanal at the Ministry today.

Recalling his telephone conversation with his Portuguese counterpart, H. E. Mr Paulo Rangel, on 1 April 2026, Minister Khanal welcomed the announcement of the Government of Portugal to open a diplomatic mission in Kathmandu and assured the full support of the Government of Nepal for the establishment of the mission. He further expressed his appreciation to the Portuguese Government for its positive consideration in resolving consular cases of Nepali nationals.

H. E. Dr Xavier extended her sincere congratulations to Minister Khanal on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal and wished him a successful tenure.

Earlier today, Foreign Secretary Mr 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.

Foreign Secretary Mr Rai also hosted a luncheon in honour of the Deputy Foreign Minister and her delegation today.

Dr Xavier is scheduled to depart from Kathmandu on 1 May 2026.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Singhadurbar, Kathmandu

30 April 2026