Saud defends decision to open embassy in Portugal

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has defended the government’s decision to open an embassy in Portugal, arguing that the decision is aimed at providing better services to over 40,000 Nepalis in Portugal.

Speaking at the meeting of the Public Hearing Committee on Friday, he said the decision to open a mission in Portugal will help promote trade, tourism, and investment. He also informed that the Portuguese government has already given its nod to open a Nepalese embassy in Lisbon.

The committee had invited Minister Saud to justify the government’s decision to open an embassy in Portugal on Friday.

Also speaking at the meeting, CPN-UML Whip Mahesh Bartaula questioned Saud whether the government, which has reduced the budget for many important programs citing a resource crunch, can afford the costs of opening and running yet another embassy. Similarly, Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi of the Nepali Congress also underscored the need to well-equip the missions already in operation.

The government has recommended Sanil Nepal as the ambassador for Portugal. The parliamentary hearing on his appointment is underway.