Edi Rama Kneels Before Giorgia Meloni – Cool Sneakers and Erdogan’s Remark

An unexpected moment unfolded during the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania, on Friday (16.05.2025), when Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama greeted his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni with a dramatic bow. Meloni seemed less than amused as she watched Rama kneel theatrically on the red carpet of the summit, held in Albania’s capital these days, offering her an effusive and warm welcome. ‘Edi, stop… You’re doing this so we can be at the same height,’ Meloni told the towering leader (2.01m). Known for his imposing stature, Rama welcomed international leaders under torrential rain. Among them was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose experienced eye noticed Rama’s cool sneakers, which also caught the attention of photographers. Addressing the Albanian politician, Erdogan remarked appreciatively: ‘You wear sneakers.’ The summit also includes the presidents of the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament.