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Last Updated:May 16, 2025, 23:57 IST
When Meloni arrived, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama knelt playfully to the ground on one knee and offered a respectful 'namaste'.
For Meloni's arrival, Albanian Edi Rama knelt to the ground. (Image: X)
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama was seen kneeling to greet Italy’s Giorgia Meloni as he hosted Europe’s leaders on Friday with his showman’s panache undampened by torrential rain. The show began with Rama twirling a navy blue umbrella on a bright red carpet.
The Albanian Prime Minister greeted more than 40 leaders attending the meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), all with a smile and a word.
From Tirana, “where all of Europe has come today and where the whole world will be watching, I say hello to you", the prime minister wrote on Instagram ahead of the gathering.
When Meloni arrived, Rama knelt playfully to the ground — as he often does for his Italian “sister". He welcomed the Italian Prime Minister, kneeling on one knee on the red carpet and offered a respectful ‘namaste’.
Albania’s Rama Welcomes Leaders
“Here’s the Sun King" Rama quipped as he greeted French President Emmanuel Macron.
After days of sunshine in Tirana, Rama had a punchline for the British in attendance as well. “There was a suspicion but it became scientific proof from the European weather forecast institute that the persisting — and not indigenous — rain was brought by the British delegation yesterday morning," Rama told leaders.
Ukraine was the dominant issue at the gathering as Russian and Ukrainian officials are meeting in Istanbul for peace talks.
“It’s true that I am the tallest among them, but I lead a country that is one of the smallest, and for us it’s already a big honour to have the opportunity to host this summit," Rama told AFP on Thursday.
And a relative rarity in the staid setting of European diplomacy — leaders were greeted with an opening sequence that drew laughter and big smiles from the crowd.
(With agency inputs)
Location :Albania
First Published:News india Albanian PM Kneels With A 'Namaste' To Greet Italian PM Giorgia Meloni At EU Summit | Watch
