Renzi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday with a 250-strong political and economic delegation in attendance, making him the first Italian official in such capacity to travel to the Islamic Republic since 2001.

Italy Prime Minister Arrives in Iran with Large Delegation

Upon arrival, the Italian premier was received by Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines, and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh. The Iranian chief executive is to welcome him during an official reception ceremony at the Iranian capital’s Sa’dabad Cultural and Historical Complex later in the day.

Renzi’s accompanying delegation comprises the European country’s foreign minister, its minister of infrastructures and transports, minister of economic development, and minister of agriculture, food and forestry policies as well as businessmen and personalities from Italy’s public and private sectors.

Iranian President Rouhani (L) met with the Italian premier earlier in the year during a trip to Europe

The visit serves as an attempt to develop bilateral relations following the removal of the European Union (EU)’s nuclear-related sanctions against Iran. The bloc lifted the sanctions on the back of a nuclear agreement reached in the Austrian capital, Vienna, between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries — the United States, Britain, France, China, and Russia plus Germany — on July 14, 2015.

Renzi has also referred to the trip as a means of political “investment” and said friendship with the Islamic Republic could contribute to the fight against the Takfiri terrorist group of ISIS, which is mainly active in Iraq and Syria and has staged deadly attacks across Europe.

Rouhani met with the Italian premier earlier in the year during a trip to Europe.

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