President Valdas Adamkus visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bid farewell to its leadership and diplomatic corps.

Speaking about the road of foreign policy traversed by Lithuania, President Adamkus compared the diplomatic service of pre-war and modern Lithuania. "I see consistency and continuity. I had the opportunity of knowing many of diplomats personally. They were great idealists and we drew strength and inspiration from them. They were the pillars who gave so much to our diplomatic service. What we see today is the continuation of their work," Mr. Adamkus said.

According to President Adamkus, the work started by experienced diplomats of independent Lithuania was crowned by accession to the European Union and NATO. "Today we are delighted not only because we sit at the same table with European and world leaders. The most important thing is that we are listened to, we are not afraid to raise our voice and we are heard. These achievements that we are so proud of belong to you," Mr. Adamkus said.

President Adamkus thanked the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for enrolling so many young people to diplomatic service. He wished them all the best of success. "We have to keep up the drive and continue pursuing Lithuania's foreign policy vision. Both every-day work and the future of our diplomacy is in your hands," Mr. Adamkus said.

President Adamkus was awarded the Lithuanian Millennium Star in recognition of his merits to Lithuanian diplomacy.

The Lithuanian Millennium Star was instituted in 2007 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is awarded to persons for their merits to Lithuania and its foreign policy.

The Lithuanian Millennium Star is conferred upon the citizens of Lithuania and foreign nationals for their exceptional contribution to promoting the name of Lithuania, fostering and developing relations between countries, and for special merits in the civil service.