Sculptor Vezhdi Rashidov has died after a short illness, relatives told BTA.

GERB leader Boyko Borisov paid tribute to him in a Facebook post.

"It is hard to find words when a man you have walked such a long road with is gone," Borisov wrote.

In the post, Borisov calls Rashidov an artist, a minister and a public figure, and describes himself as his friend. He says the sculptor was a man of huge heart and strong character, with a talent that no limits could contain.

The two men had hard times and disagreements, Borisov writes, but their respect and friendship endured. He says Rashidov's work will outlive generations and memories of him will never fade.

"I will miss you, my friend! I bow to your memory!" the GERB leader ended his post.

Follow-up: Sculptor Vezhdi Rashidov dies. Farewell ceremony set for 12 November