Albanian PM Kneels to Greet Italian Counterpart: A Diplomatic Gesture or Protocol Breach?

Tirana Summit: Albanian PM's Unexpected Greeting to Italian Counterpart Sparks Debate Tirana, Albania - A brief video clip capturing an unusual moment between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, has gone viral. The footage shows Rama kneeling to greet Meloni upon her arrival at the 6th European Political Community summit in Tirana on May 16, 2025. The gesture has sparked widespread debate, with some praising it as a display of respect and others questioning its appropriateness in a formal diplomatic setting. "It was a spontaneous gesture of respect," said a source close to Prime Minister Rama, "reflecting the warm relations between Albania and Italy." However, others have pointed out that such a gesture might be considered unconventional in diplomatic circles. The video itself is short, showing only the moment of the greeting and the subsequent brief conversation. The lack of further context within the video leaves room for multiple interpretations. The incident highlights the complexities of international relations and the various ways in which leaders choose to express respect and cordiality. The video's rapid spread across social media underscores the public's interest in such events and the power of visual media in shaping perceptions.