Mr Barbanti congratulated Mr Rocen on the overall achievements he has made during his appointment as minister for foreign affairs and European integration at the time when Montenegro is at the top of its foreign policy priorities. He also commended Mr Rocen's leadership of Montenegrin diplomacy in demanding Balkan conditions, noting that it has contributed to preserving the stability and good neighbourly relations in the region, and dubbing it a unique lesson in diplomacy and foreign policy. He commended the quality of cooperation in the previous period, noting that it has been marked by full respect and mutual tolerance and also frequent contacts at all levels. Given that his mandate as ambassador ends soon, Mr Barbanti noted that he will always hold Montenegro very dear, noting that it is a country of great opportunities for future development.

Mr Rocen thanked Mr Barbanti for his overall contribution and personal role, noting that he contributed to a significant upgrade in the relationship between the two friendly peoples. He also welcomed his objective presentation of Montenegro and its potentials to the Italian public, diplomatic community and other stakeholders. Mr Rocen also thanked the official Rome for its continued and valuable support to Montenegro in achieving its strategic priorities, noting for the same reasons Mr Barbanti will also be remembered in the history of the relationship between Montenegro and Italy in the past few years, said Mr Rocen.