On 2-4 November 2026, Ms. Somrudee Poopornanake, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, visited the Republic of Belarus to attend the 4th Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, held under the theme “Navigating international disorder in the spirit of cooperation: Can we solve the Eurasian security puzzle?” The conference served as a platform to discuss security issues in the Eurasian region and to explore the establishment of a new Eurasian security architecture amidst current global geopolitical challenges.

During the visit, the Director-General met with Mr. Evgeny Vorobyev, Director of the Asia and Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, to discuss enhancing cooperation comprehensively. The Thai side expressed a keen interest in initiating negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, of which Belarus is a member, and to expand bilateral trade and economic opportunities. Both sides also welcomed the launch of direct flights between Minsk and Bangkok, as well as between Minsk and Phuket, operated by Belavia, which will help foster tourism cooperation and people-to-people ties.

Additionally, the Director-General held discussions with Ms. Helen Malinowskaya, Deputy Chairperson of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to promote economic cooperation between the private sectors of Thailand and Belarus. In this connection, the Thai private sector plans to visit Belarus in 2027 to explore trade and investment opportunities, particularly in the sectors of natural rubber, medical supplies, and dairy products.

In addition, the Thai delegation met with Mr. Andrei Kuntsevich, Director of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research (BISR) to exchange views on the current global situation, and visited the Honorary Consulate of Thailand in Belarus, where they were welcomed by Mr. Ivan Chura, the Honorary Consul. The delegation was briefed on the Consulate’s mission, particularly in the coordination for visa issuance for Belarusian nationals and the provision of assistance to the approximately 70 Thai citizens residing and working in Belarus.