Audronius Ažubalis

Born on 17 January 1958 in Vilnius

Education:

In 1990, studied politics and economics at World Press Institute, Macalester College (the U.S.A.).

In 1982, resumed studies of journalism at Vilnius State University as an extramural student and received a degree in journalism in 1989.

In 1976, after graduating from Vilnius Antanas Vienuolis secondary school (now Vilnius Antanas Vienuolis Gymnasium), started studies of journalism at Vilnius State University (now Vilnius University), Faculty of History. In 1977, was expelled from the University for his relations with Lithuanian members of the Helsinki Group.

Career:

From 11 February 2010, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From 2004, Member of the Seimas (Parliament) of the Republic of Lithuania (2008 – 2010, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs).

2001-2004, Director General of the Translation, Documentation and Information Centre under the Chancellery of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

1996–2000, Member of the Seimas (Parliament) of the Republic of Lithuania (held positions of the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on European Affairs).

In 1993, established the first public relations consultancy in Lithuania and was the head of the company until November 1996.

1991-1993, Head of the Information and Analysis Centre, the Supreme Council (Reconstituent Seimas) of the Republic of Lithuania.

1990-1992, Spokesman for the Chairman of the Supreme Council (Reconstituent Seimas) of the Republic of Lithuania.

1989–1990, a correspondent at the weekly newspaper “Atgimimas” of the Reform Movement of Lithuania Sąjūdis.

1979–1988, various positions at the Lithuanian State Committee of Publishing Houses, Polygraph Enterprises and Book Trade, the Scientific Methodological Culture Centre of Lithuania, the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Cinema Rental Bureau.

Party Membership:

From 1998 - member of the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Conservatives). Currently the party is called the Homeland Union – Lithuania’s Christian Democrats.

Public Duties:

2001-2003, President of the National Magazine Publishers Association.

1998-2000, President of the Lithuanian-Great Britain Association “British Chamber of Commerce”.

Awards:

In 1999, received a commemorative medal of the 13th of January, in 2003 - a commemorative badge of Lithuania's invitation to NATO, in 2007 - the state award of Ukraine, 3rd degree Order “For Merits”.

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