The term of office of Consul Rustico in Rijeka was characterised by numerous activities which largely improved the relationships between the City of Rijeka and the Italian Republic. For his exceptional contribution to the development and promotion of the reputation and interests of the City of Rijeka in relationships with the Italian Republic, earlier this year, during the solemn meeting of the City Council organised on the occasion of the celebration of St Vitus' Day, Consul Rustico was awarded the golden plaque „The Coat of Arms of the City of Rijeka“.

Thanking the Consul General for everything he had done during his term of office, mayor Obersnel said that it was the duty of any diplomat to take steps in order to establish good relationships with the country where performing the duty. „In your case it has been much more than that, since in addition to establishing good relationship between the two countries, you have contributed to the establishment of numerous contacts between Italian cities and Rijeka, like, for instance, the recently established co-operation with Rome and Trieste. Your endeavour has resulted in investments in primary and secondary schools in Rijeka, therefore I can say that we both can be satisfied with the achieved results. Rijeka will miss the love you felt for our city and our people, as well as the passion with which you accepted Rijeka as your city“, said Obersnel.

Thanking for the warm words that touch the heart, Consul Rustico said that his five-year term of office was a rare case in diplomacy, since in accordance with the Protocol, the term of office was limited to four years. „After five years spent in Rijeka I leave many friends and will be leaving Rijeka with a heavy heart“, said Consul Rustico. „The Rijeka City administration is directed towards Europe, and Rijeka is an open multiethnic and multicultural city. I am sorry that I have to leave, but wherever I go I will be an ambassador for Rijeka who will always and on every occasion promote Rijeka“, said Rustico.

Consul Rustico is among numerous guests from Italy who will visit Rijeka already at the beginning of next year. He announced also the visit of the mayor of Trieste, the visit of the Deputy Secretary of State and the visit of the mayor of Rome, in order to additionally deepen the established cooperation.

The president of the City Council Dorotea Pešić Bukovac also warmly thanked the Consul General for all he had done for the benefit of Rijeka and our fellow citizens of all the nationalities, while mayor Obersnel gave a present to Consul Rustico, a silver coin featuring St Vitus to remind him of Rijeka.
(I.N.)