During the Global Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, a symbolic gesture by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama drew attention. To celebrate Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s 48th birthday, Rama handed her a handkerchief and knelt down in a relaxed gesture.
While singing “so good luck”, he tried to position the scarf over Meloni's head, simulating a hijab. The Italian leader reacted with humor, generating laughter among those present, but immediately removed the accessory.
Rama explained that the scarf was created by an Italian designer living in Albania, emphasizing the cultural connection between the two countries.
Despite their political differences — Meloni leads the conservative Brothers of Italy party and Rama the Albanian Socialist Party — the two leaders have maintained a close diplomatic relationship. In 2024, the two signed an agreement to redirect migrants rescued by Italy to detention centers in Albania, a measure still under judicial review.
In addition to the light-hearted episode, the summit resulted in the signing of a trilateral contract between Italy, Albania and the United Arab Emirates. The project, valued at 1 billion euros, envisages the construction of an underwater link for the transport of renewable energy between the countries, strengthening regional cooperation.
