By the will of history, President Algirdas Brazauskas stood at the helm of state power in difficult and challenging periods for Lithuania which reflected the time of fundamental changes in the whole of Central and Eastern Europe.

Lithuania's strategic goals - membership in the European Union and accession to NATO - were achieved through the active participation and support by Algirdas Brazauskas who served as President and later on as Prime Minister during that crucially important decade.

Algirdas Brazauskas was a man of integrity who never avoided responsibility, a leader who viewed political career not as a personal ambition, but as a duty to the nation.

He would always listen to and hear the concerns of each and every, and he would always offer a simple and understandable answer or solution.

For this, many people saw him as one of their own. They believed in him and trusted him. Competence, responsibility and duty were the main requirements he set forth for himself and others.

Fate afforded me the privileged opportunity of working with Prime Minister Algirdas Brazauskas in the 12th Cabinet. I am deeply grateful for this. The experience gained was immensely valuable.

I always felt the supporting shoulder of Algirdas Brazauskas and I am very sincere when I call him my teacher, my mentor, who helped me become a politician.

Responsibility and professionalism are the cornerstones on which Algirdas Brazauskas based his decisions and actions. Now that he is no longer with us, I feel great personal loss.

I extend my deep condolences to the President's family and loved ones and to all the people of Lithuania. The memory of Algirdas Brazauskas - a strong and charismatic personality - will remain in our hearts forever.