Italy's Prime Minister's Response to Erdoğan's Smoking Comment Sparks Laughter Among World Leaders

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her glamorous persona, has sparked laughter among global leader colleagues after joking that she will never be able to quit smoking, according to the New York Post.

The 48-year-old head of government was spotted at the Sharm el-Sheikh resort in Egypt during the Gaza peace summit. While speaking with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has promised to make his country smoke-free, Meloni humorously confessed that she could never give up smoking.

“You look wonderful. But I have to make you quit smoking,” Erdoğan said, to which Meloni smiled and replied, “That’s impossible. I would probably kill someone.” Her joke elicited laughter from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, who were present at the meeting.

Additionally, former President Donald Trump also attracted attention at the summit, seizing the opportunity to praise the Italian Prime Minister's appearance. “She’s a beautiful young woman. Usually, speaking like that about a woman in the U.S. ends your political career, but I’ll take the risk,” the U.S. President joked, addressing Meloni.

“She wanted to be here, she’s incredible and has great respect in Italy. She’s a very successful politician,” Trump added, earning applause and smiles from the gathered leaders.

Recently, Meloni confessed in her book that she started smoking again after a 13-year break. According to her, the habit has helped her establish connections with other world leaders, including Tunisian President Kais Saied.