Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev awarded the ambassadors of Italy and Morocco with orders as the two are preparing to leave the country, their appointments having ended.

Italy's Ambassador to Sofia, Marco Conticelli, was handed out a Stara Planina order for his work to strengthen traditional relations of frienship, respect and trust between the two countries, the head of state has said during the ceremony.

Pevneliev praised the diplomat's contribution to attracting Italian businesses to Bulgaria and solidifying the status of the country as a key trade partner. The event coincided with a visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Conticelli has been in Sofia since September 03, 2012. "I stay with my heart open to Bulgaria," he added upon receiving the order.

Marocco's Ambassador Latifa Akharbach was awarded a Madarski Konnik order for her contribution to bilateral relations.

"The great progress in bilateral relations is a strong expression of Bulgaria and Morocco's political will to use existing opportunities to deepen and end enrich them further," the head of state said, also commending the ambassador for her effort to make political dialogue more active through visits and summits.

Latifa Akharbach for her part said the two countries had managed to "give new dynamics to bilateral relations by deepening ties between the two peoples."