Albanian PM Edi Rama kneels again before Italy’s Giorgia Meloni — third time this year, video goes viral

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again drawn global attention after a video that featured him kneeling in greeting before Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking what social media users claim is the third such instance this year. The clip has gone viral and reignited debate over Rama’s informal and theatrical diplomatic style during high-level European engagements.

Official welcome at Palazzo Chigi

Prime Minister Rama, who started his working visit to Rome this Thursday, was officially welcomed by Giorgia Meloni at the Chigi Palace. The two leaders later held a face-to-face discussion that emphasized strengthening bilateral cooperation, extending strategic connections, and addressing issues of shared regional and European interest.


The talks highlighted ongoing collaboration between Albania and Italy, particularly in areas linked to development, security, and Albania’s broader ambition of European Union integration.

Strong political and strategic ties

After the meeting, Rama highlighted the depth of cooperation between the two nations in a social media post, stating that Italian governments have historically supported Albania, but Meloni’s administration stands out for its intensity of engagement.

“All Italian governments in the last 35 years have been particularly friendly towards Albania, but no Italian government has put into motion such a busy program of strategic cooperation with Albania as the government of Giorgia Meloni. Further rapprochement with Italy through large and concrete projects brings more development and security to Albania,” Rama wrote.

Viral kneeling moment resurfaces

Despite the formal nature of the visit, online attention once again centered on Rama’s brief kneeling gesture as Meloni arrived. While this latest clip triggered renewed virality, it forms part of a recurring pattern of similar moments throughout the year, which have previously sparked widespread debate.


Earlier instances include:

• January 2025 (Abu Dhabi): One of the most widely reported instances happened during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, where Rama marked Meloni’s 48th birthday with a highly symbolic gesture. In a scene explained as both playful and unexpected, he knelt on one knee to present a crafted scarf while singing the Italian birthday song “Tanti Auguri.” He also explained the cultural significance behind the gift, citing that it was made by an Italian designer who had relocated to Albania, reinforcing its symbolic importance. As he presented it, he stated: “The scarf is the work of an Italian designer who moved to Albania.”
  

• May 16, 2025 (Tirana EPC Summit): During another high-profile European event, Rama once again grabbed attention when he knelt to greet Meloni and later embraced French President Emmanuel Macron in a friendly “bro hug.”The moment circulated widely as part of his expressive diplomatic persona. At the EPC summit hosted by Albania, Rama greeted more than 40 global leaders, frequently using animated gestures and personal remarks. When Meloni arrived, he knelt in a familiar gesture often associated with his friendly rapport with the Italian leader.
  

Prime Minister Meloni and Rama are known to maintain a notably warm working relationship, which has been visible across several bilateral and multilateral meetings.

Social media reaction

As the video continues to circulate, reactions remain divided. Some viewers interpret the kneeling gesture as a sign of respect and friendship, while others see it as overly theatrical for formal diplomatic protocol.

With the clip now widely shared on X, the moment has once again placed Rama’s distinctive diplomatic style in the global spotlight.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is Edi Rama trending online?
He is trending due to a viral video showing him kneeling before Giorgia Meloni. The moment quickly spread across social media platforms.

Q2. Who is Giorgia Meloni?
She is the Prime Minister of Italy. She frequently engages in high-level European diplomatic meetings.