During the Sixth European Political Community Summit held in Tirana on May 16, 2025, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama made headlines with a warm and symbolic gesture towards Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. As Meloni arrived at the summit venue, Rama knelt on one knee and greeted her with folded hands, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
This act wasn’t an isolated incident. Earlier in January, during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Rama surprised Meloni on her 48th birthday by presenting her with a scarf designed by an Italian artist residing in Albania. He accompanied the gift with a rendition of “Tanti Auguri,” the Italian birthday song, further showcasing the camaraderie between the two leaders.
Despite their differing political ideologies—Meloni leading the right-wing Brothers of Italy and Rama heading Albania’s Socialist Party—the two have cultivated a strong diplomatic relationship. Their collaboration includes agreements on managing migration and joint ventures in renewable energy projects.
Rama’s gestures highlight the personal rapport and mutual respect shared between the leaders, reflecting a broader commitment to cooperation and unity within the European political landscape.
