Namaste, poker face and chuckles: How Giorgia Meloni stole the show at Gaza peace summit with priceless reactions

While top leaders from around the world gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh for the Gaza peace summit, it was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who captured attention with her expressions, reactions, and a few unexpected interactions. From handling awkward compliments to responding to personal remarks, Meloni showed poise and humour, becoming the unofficial star of the event.

One memorable moment came when she greeted US President Donald Trump with a traditional Indian 'namaste', drawing attention to her unique and respectful approach. But the spotlight quickly shifted when Trump made an unusual compliment.

A simple gesture, a strong message: #Meloni greets #Trump with #Namaste 🙏 — proving diplomacy doesn’t always need handshakes. #WorldLeaders #CulturalExchange pic.twitter.com/UtrNLU0rFr

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— Pooja Gupta (@Poojagupta122) October 14, 2025

Trump, known for his showmanship, acknowledged that his words could be perceived as sexist before proceeding. “We have a woman, a young woman who's... I'm not allowed to say it because usually it's the end of your political career if you say it: she's a beautiful young woman,” Trump said.

Meloni, standing behind him, maintained her composure as Trump continued. “Where is she? There she is! You don't mind being called beautiful, right? Because you are.” Observers noted that she appeared amused but slightly uncomfortable.

Trump to Italy’s Meloni:

In the U.S., if you tell a woman she’s beautiful, your political career is over — but I’ll take my chances.

You won’t be offended if I say you’re beautiful, right? Because you are. pic.twitter.com/1I0tpceIKu

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— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 13, 2025

Being the only woman among 30 world leaders on stage, the moment quickly became a topic of online discussion, with some criticising Trump’s remarks as outdated and sexist. Democratic political commentator Harry Sisson called it “gross,” tweeting, “This is gross. Mid-speech in Egypt, Trump called the Italian Prime Minister a beautiful young woman and she looked very uncomfortable. He continues to humiliate the US on the world stage.”

Meloni also found herself the subject of attention from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who jokingly urged her to quit smoking. On the sidelines, Erdogan told her, “I saw you coming down from the plane. You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking.” French President Emmanuel Macron added, “It's impossible!” But Meloni responded with humour, saying, “I know, I know... I don't want to kill somebody,” accompanied by a chuckle.

Erdogan to Meloni;

“You look good! But I have to make you quit smoking”

pic.twitter.com/Ksjxsp6oZM

— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) October 13, 2025

Her smoking habit has been a recurring theme in her public persona. In her autobiography I Am Giorgia: My Roots, My Principles, whose preface was written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she revealed she resumed smoking after 13 years because it helps her bond with other leaders and politicians, according to a report by Politico.

Perhaps the most entertaining moment for observers was Meloni’s reaction to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praising Trump for halting wars in South Asia and Gaza. Sharif, called to speak by Trump, described him as a “man of peace” and even nominated him for the next Nobel Peace Prize.

“I would like to nominate this great president for the Nobel Peace Prize, because I genuinely feel he is the most genuine and most wonderful candidate because he has brought not only peace in South Asia, but achieved peace in Gaza, saving, millions of lives in the Middle East,” Sharif said.

As the flattery continued, cameras captured Meloni instinctively covering her mouth in surprise and then maintaining a poker face, seemingly processing the exaggerated praise.

🚨 SHEHBAZ SHARIF : Today again I am nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Price 😀

Watch Georgia Meloni's reaction 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/QtaqTTOhxg

— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) October 13, 2025

Meloni’s reactions are becoming a trademark at international events. Her eye-roll at US President Joe Biden during the NATO summit remains one of the most viral images of recent years. At the Gaza peace summit, while the discussions were centred on the future of the Middle East after Trump’s peace deal, it was Meloni’s expressions and subtle humour that drew global attention.