ROME - President Tony Tan Keng Yam arrived in Italy at noon in Sunday (May 22), and was saluted by Italian military police clad in full ceremonial dress at Fiumicino Airport in Rome.
He is on Singapore's first state visits to Italy and the Vatican City this week.
Italy was one of 13 countries which began diplomatic ties with Singapore in 1965.
While in Rome, Dr Tan will meet his counterpart, President Sergio Mattarella, who will host a state banquet in his honour after a ceremonial welcome at the 16th-century Palazzo del Quirinale, an official residence of the Italian President.
He will also meet Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Senate president Pietro Grasso, and Commissioner of Rome Francesco Tronca.
The President's visit to Vatican City will highlight its 35-year diplomatic ties with Singapore.
While at the Holy See, Dr Tan will meet the Pope. He will also meet Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who visited Singapore last August.
