Turkish President Erdogan Urges Italian PM Meloni to Quit Smoking at Egypt Peace Summit

World leaders gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh for a crucial peace summit focused on the Gaza ceasefire and Middle East stability. A notable highlight was Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In a viral video, Erdogan humorously urged Meloni to quit smoking, leading to laughter from French President Emmanuel Macron. Meloni was visibly embarrassed by the comment.

Erdogan’s Smoking Comments at Egypt Peace Summit

During the summit, Erdogan’s remark about Meloni’s smoking habit captured widespread attention. The light-hearted moment occurred amidst discussions with more than 20 leaders, including French President Macron. This incident underscored Turkey’s recent efforts in tobacco control, including bans and health initiatives.

Key Figures and Attendees

• US President Donald Trump co-chaired the summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
• Meloni was among over 20 leaders attending the peace talks.
• Notable attendees included UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders were absent.

Egypt’s Praise for US Leadership

President El-Sisi expressed high regard for US President Trump’s role. He lauded Trump as uniquely capable of achieving peace in the region. The summit emphasized cooperation among leaders to end ongoing conflicts.

Noteworthy Absentees

Netanyahu’s absence was notable, as reports indicated he initially accepted El-Sisi’s invitation. However, his office cited religious observance as a reason for not attending, with Israeli leaders traditionally avoiding travel during Jewish holidays and the Sabbath.

The summit marked a significant effort towards peace, with varied global representation and dialogue aimed at resolving long-standing issues in the Middle East.