The presence of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe at a United Nations food summit in Rome is "obscene", Australia's foreign minister has said."This is the person who has presided over the starvation of his people," said Stephen Smith.
State television said Mr Mugabe was accompanied by his wife and senior government officials on the trip.
Mr Mugabe and his ministers are usually subject to a European Union travel ban - but he is able to attend UN forums.
It is Mr Mugabe's first visit to Europe since the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) won a majority in parliamentary elections in March.
He faces a presidential run-off on 27 June against MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
Mr Mugabe's supporters have been accused of attacking MDC activists, leaving at least 50 dead.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) summit starts on Tuesday and reports say Mr Mugabe is expected to stay in Italy until Friday.
Food aid
The EU, US and UK are all strongly critical of Mr Mugabe's human rights record, as well as his management of the economy.
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