TEHRAN – Iranian Navy Commander Habibollah Sayyari was officially welcomed by Italian officials in Venice, Italy, on Tuesday.

Sayyari arrived in Italy on Sunday evening to attend Venice Regional Seapower Symposium for the Navies of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Countries.

The rear admiral is attending the gathering as a special guest at the official invitation of the Italian Navy.

This is the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a top Iranian military official has been invited to a European country.

MH/PA