Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama knelt to greet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana on May 16, 2025, as a playful and symbolic gesture.
Described as a lighthearted act, Rama knelt on one knee on the red carpet, often accompanied by a "namaste" gesture, to welcome Meloni, whom he refers to as his Italian "sister."
This was not an isolated incident, as Rama has previously knelt before Meloni, notably during her 48th birthday celebration at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in January 2025, where he presented her with a scarf and sang "Tanti Auguri" (happy birthday).
The gesture is seen as a reflection of their strong personal and diplomatic rapport, despite their differing political ideologies—Rama leads Albania's Socialist Party, while Meloni heads Italy's right-wing Brothers of Italy.
The act also underscores the deep ties between Albania and Italy, reinforced by agreements like the controversial migration deal to process some migrants rescued by Italy in Albanian detention centers and a €1 billion renewable energy project across the Adriatic.
Meloni herself humorously remarked that Rama, who is 6 foot 7 inches tall, kneels "to be as tall as me," referencing their significant height difference (Meloni is 5 foot 3 inches).
The gesture, while theatrical, symbolizes camaraderie, cultural ties, and Albania's growing role in European diplomacy, though it has sparked varied reactions, with some seeing it as a sign of respect and others as overly dramatic or strategic.
