From 1975 to 1991 worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the BSSR in Minsk, and in 1991-1992 was the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Belarus to the United Nations in New York.

From 1992 to 1997 was a charge d'affaires and an Ambassador of Belarus in the United States. During 1997-2001 he served as the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From 2001 to 2003 was the ambassador of Belarus to Belgium and permanent representative to the EU and NATO. In 2003-2012 served as Minister of Foreign Affairs.