Foreign Ministers of Myanmar and Thailand hold bilateral meeting

U Tin Maung Swe, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a bilateral meeting with Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, who paid a working visit to Nay Pyi Taw from 21 to 22 April 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the afternoon of 22 April 2026.

Both sides noted that the current period is an important transition in both countries, as new governments have recently been formed in Myanmar and Thailand. In this context, they stated the importance of strengthening the existing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as enhancing closer collaboration at the regional and international levels. As close neighbours sharing a long common border, Myanmar and Thailand agreed to intensify cooperation in maintaining stability and the rule of law in border areas, and to enhance joint efforts to prevent and combat transnational crime and illegal trade. They also discussed addressing environmental conservation and resuming the existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the Joint Commission (JC) and the Joint Trade Commission (JTC) and promoting Thailand’s investment in various sectors, including the energy sector in Myanmar.

Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe expressed his appreciation that the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand reflects support for Myanmar’s positive political development and the Myanmar government’s effort in this regard. He emphasized that peace and stability in border areas are essential not only for Myanmar’s peace process but also for the prosperity of people living in the border areas of both countries. He underscored the importance of effective bilateral cooperation in addressing challenges in border areas, welcomed Thailand’s willingness to support Myanmar’s peace process, and stated that Myanmar will continue the peace process within the framework of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand congratulated Myanmar on the formation of a new government led by President U Min Aung Hlaing, welcomed the release of prisoners on the occasion of Myanmar’s New Year and extended invitations to the armed groups to join peace talks. He stated that Thailand acknowledges Myanmar’s efforts towards peace and national reconciliation and will continue to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. He also expressed Thailand’s readiness to support the normalization of Myanmar’s engagement within ASEAN. He further mentioned that Thailand will support development assistance to Myanmar’s agriculture, health, education sectors and SMEs.

Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Tin Maung Swe also hosted a luncheon in honour of the delegation led by Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, at the Jasmine Nay Pyi Taw Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the delegation departed Nay Pyi Taw for Thailand by a special flight on the evening of 22 April 2026 and were seen off at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport by the deputy minister for Foreign Affairs and senior officials.

MNA