Albanian PM’s Dramatic Greeting to Giorgia Meloni Explained
At the European Political Community summit in Tirana, Albania, a viral and surprising moment occurred when Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama knelt on one knee and greeted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with a traditional Indian ‘namaste’ gesture.
Giorgia Meloni truly commands the utmost respect of world leaders. This is quite the sight to see. pic.twitter.com/xBp3d0Qi7j
— Joey Mannarino 🇺🇸 (@JoeyMannarinoUS) May 16, 2025
Rama, known for his tall stature (6-foot-7) and flamboyant diplomatic style, set aside his umbrella, folded his hands, and bent the knee in a theatrical yet respectful manner. The moment was caught on video and widely shared across European media. This warm, humorous greeting elicited laughter and a surprised but pleased reaction from Meloni. While it might appear dramatic, the gesture symbolized respect, admiration, and the close diplomatic ties between Albania and Italy. Rama’s body language signaled both deference and a playful camaraderie that has become characteristic of their interactions at high-level events.
Not the First Time: Rama and Meloni’s Friendly Diplomatic Relationship
This wasn’t an isolated moment. Edi Rama has greeted Giorgia Meloni in similar ways before, including a previous kneeling gesture at a summit in Abu Dhabi. He even went as far as celebrating her birthday with a song and a scarf, underlining the deep personal rapport and diplomatic warmth between the two leaders.
These repeated gestures are symbolic of Albania’s strong ties with Italy, a key ally and cultural neighbor. In a region where migration, trade, and European integration are ongoing issues, this relationship stands out as both politically important and personally friendly.
What Happened at the Tirana Summit? Why This Moment Matters
The Tirana summit gathered over 40 European leaders to discuss pressing issues like the war in Ukraine, migration policies, and regional cooperation. For Albania, hosting such a major European summit was a landmark event, and Rama made sure the tone was both respectful and convivial.
Beyond his interaction with Meloni, Rama shared humorous exchanges with French President Emmanuel Macron and made light-hearted remarks about the weather and the British delegation. His relaxed yet charismatic diplomacy helped shine a spotlight on Albania as a serious yet warm host on the European stage.
