KATHMANDU, APRIL 30 Nepal and Portugal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors during high-level meetings held in Kathmandu on Thursday. Deputy Foreign Minister of Portugal, Dr Ana Isabel Xavier, who is on a three-day official visit to Nepal at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Minister Khanal welcomed Portugal's decision to open a diplomatic mission in Kathmandu and assured full support from the Government of Nepal for its establishment. He also appreciated the Portuguese government's positive consideration in addressing consular issues of Nepali nationals. Dr Xavier congratulated Minister Khanal on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Rai held bilateral talks with Dr Xavier, during which both sides reviewed various aspects of Nepal–Portugal relations and expressed satisfaction over the recent momentum in ties, particularly following the first meeting of the Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held in Lisbon in February 2026. In both engagements, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as tourism, trade, investment, labour and digitisation, while exploring new avenues of partnership. Foreign Secretary Rai also hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Deputy Foreign Minister and her delegation. Dr Xavier is scheduled to depart Kathmandu on May 1.