FAREWELL RECEPTION

Ambasadors of Austria, Bulgaria and Italy leaving

Farewell reception for Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Mr. Jean Kickert, the Ambassador of Bulgaria, H.E. Mr Ivan Sirakov and the Ambassador of Italy H.E. Mr. Alessandro Pignatti Morano di Custoza took place at Apostolic Nunciature, October 13, in presence of numerous members of Diplomatic Corps in Croatia and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ambassador Mario Nobilo, Secretary of State and Dr. Ivan Mašina, Chief of Protocol. H.E. Mons. Mario Cassari, Doyen of Diplomatic Corps gave an inspired speech for departing colleagues "with whom we have shared unforgettable times and to whom we are bound by deep ties of mutual esteem and friendship".

In his speech Apostolic Nuncio refered to some elements of the "Curricula vitae" of the departing Ambassadors:
"H.E. Mr. Ivan Sirakov, Ambassador of Bulgaria : degree in germanic studies at Sofia University; Doctor in Philosophy in Germany; Diplomatic Academy in Moscow. In the professional career: 1983 - 1989, Second Secretary in Berlin; 1992-1995 as expert of Information, Press, Human Resources Departments at Ministry of F.A. in Sofia; 1995 - 1998 First Secretary in Vienna; 1998 - 2002 Expert in Consular Affairs at Ministry of F.A. in Sofia; 2002 - 2005 Counselor at General Consulate in Munich;  2005 - 2007 at MFA, Consular Affairs Directorate, Minister Plenipotentiary, then Ambassador. From October 2007 Ambassador of Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Croatia.

H.E. Mr. Alessandro Pignatti Morano di Custoza, Ambassador of Italy: Degree in Political Science (University of Rome), and Master of Arts in Economy (University of Ottawa); joins the Diplomatic Corps on September 1974. From 1975 to 1978 at Ministry of F.A. in Rome. Then (1979- 1983) First Secretary for Commercial Affairs in Ottawa. 1983-1986 as Counselor and Chief of Staff of the Director General for Cultural Affairs. 1986-1993 at Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Office of the Diplomatic Counselor. First Counselor for Political Affairs in Bonn (1993-1997). From 1997 to 2001 Deputy Head of Cabinet of the Minister of F.A.. Minister Plenipotentiary in 2000. Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Representation of Italy to the EU in Brussels (2001-2007). Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Croatia from December 1st, 2007.

H.E. Mr. Jan Kickert, Ambassador od Austria. Born in Bangkok (Thailand) 1964-1970 Living in Thailand.Then Primary and High Schools in Vienna. 1982-1993 University of Vienna, Studies in Geography, History and Social Sciences; Master of Arts, Civilian Service, Working in tourism and the computer business ; 1993-1995 Diplomatic Academy in Vienna; 1995 at Austrian MFA ; 1996/1997 Attachè at Austrian Embassy in Bratislava; 1997-1999 Second Secretary at Austrian Embassy in Belgrade ;1998/1999 Seconded as Special Assistant to the EU Special Envoy to Kosovo; participation in the Conferences of Rambouillet and Paris; 1999/2000 Seconded as Political Advisor for Kosovo of Dr. Bernard Kouchner. 2001-2004 Austrian Embassy Ottawa as Minister-Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission ; Autumn 2004 Personal representative of H.E. Dr. Javier Solana to Kosovo; 2005-2007 Cabinet of the Minister for Foreign Affairs ; 2007-2009 Deputy Head of Cabinet of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. From 5th June 2009 Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia.

- Dearest Ivan. Alessandro and Jan, you have proved to everyone your competence as brilliant and remarkable diplomats, with a lot of qualities, and as persons of great sociability and very cordial relations. While we will feel your absence, we extend to you (and your families) our best wishes for every happiness. We will be close to you in thoughts, and will remember you with sincere friendship. In order that this exchange of affection might take on a concrete form for the future, it is a pleasure for all of us, Ambassadors and Head of Missions of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Republic of Croatia, to present to you Ivan and Alessandro the traditional locally made crystal plate with the names of all of us; and to you, Jan, the nice painting "Dalmatia". Once more our most cordial best wishes, and may God be with you always. Thanks! - concluded Mons. Cassari in his farewell speech.