Turkish President Erdogan Offers Surprise Smoke-Free Tip to Italy's PM Meloni

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan caught Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni off guard with an unexpected personal comment about her smoking habit during the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit on Gaza. The lighthearted exchange, captured on video and shared across social media, shows how diplomatic interactions can take surprising turns even during serious international gatherings.

The moment happened as Erdogan was shaking hands with Meloni on the summit sidelines. He told her she looked good but suggested he should help her quit smoking. The Italian leader responded with a mix of acknowledgment and embarrassment, saying "I know, I know... I don't want to look ridiculous."

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was nearby during the exchange, burst into laughter along with Erdogan. When Macron heard Erdogan's smoking cessation offer, he simply said "It's impossible," referring to the difficulty of quitting.

The brief interaction went viral on social media, showing a more personal side of diplomatic relations. But it also highlights how world leaders navigate both formal negotiations and informal moments during high-stakes international meetings.

The summit itself focused on the Gaza conflict, bringing together leaders to discuss peace efforts in the region. These gatherings often produce memorable moments beyond the official agenda, as leaders from different cultures and backgrounds interact in close quarters.

For Meloni, who has been open about her smoking habit in the past, the comment came during her continued efforts to establish Italy's role in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The exchange shows how personal habits can become part of diplomatic conversation, even when discussing serious global issues.