Leaders of NATO member states posed for the traditional ‘family photo’ before entering the main hall for the summit’s critical session. A small surprise awaited them from host nation Turkey: each leader received a personalized commemorative pen engraved with their name.
A Formal Welcome and Symbolic Seating
The day began with the official welcome ceremony, where leaders were greeted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Standard handshakes followed, then the group assembled for the formal family portrait — a moment where positioning carries diplomatic weight.
In the front row stood Rutte, flanked by Erdoğan on one side and former U.S. President Donald Trump on the other. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stood beside Erdoğan, while French President Emmanuel Macron — once again wearing his signature aviator-style glasses, prescribed for a vision condition — was positioned just behind him. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stood next to Trump; Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appeared in the second row.
Style and Subtext
Beyond policy statements and Trump’s pointed remarks, leaders’ appearances drew attention. Macron started his day with a morning jog in Ankara — captured by local media — before arriving at the summit. Rama’s crisp white sneakers became an instant talking point among observers.
Trump opted for his signature look: a dark navy suit, white shirt, and a bold orange-and-gold tie — a color long associated with his assertive public persona.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stood out in a green ensemble paired with gold heels. But it was her visible discomfort during interactions with Trump that caught the eye — particularly during the family photo, when she turned her head away as he walked past. Photographs from Reuters and other agencies documented the palpable tension between the two leaders, underscoring a strained rapport amid broader transatlantic discussions.