At the Sharm el-Sheikh summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan playfully advises Italian PM Giorgia Meloni to quit smoking, sparking a lighthearted exchange.
A Lighthearted Exchange
- Setting: During the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared a brief, candid interaction.
- Erdogan’s Remark: Upon greeting Meloni, Erdogan commented, “I saw you coming down from the plane. You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking,” drawing smiles from those around.
- Meloni’s Response: Amused, Meloni replied, “I know, I know. I don’t want to kill somebody,” acknowledging the potential irritability associated with quitting smoking.
- Macron’s Interjection: French President Emmanuel Macron, standing nearby, laughed and remarked, “It’s impossible!” adding to the jovial atmosphere.
Context Behind the Comment
- Meloni’s Acknowledgment: In a book based on a series of her interviews, Meloni had previously acknowledged that smoking helped her bond with global leaders, including Tunisian President Kais Saied.
- Erdogan’s Anti-Smoking Campaign: Erdogan has been a proponent of anti-smoking initiatives in Turkey, launching the “Smoke-Free Türkiye” campaign and implementing a 2024-2028 action plan to promote smoking cessation and protect youth from tobacco use.
🇹🇷🇮🇹 ERDOGAN TO MELONI: I HAVE TO MAKE YOU STOP SMOKING
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 13, 2025
Erdogan:
"I saw you coming down from the plane.
You look great.
But I have to make you stop smoking."
Meloni:
"I know, I know.
I don't want to kill somebody"
Source: @ihacomtr https://t.co/FX7G3CR5g1 pic.twitter.com/glcfOZAA6Z
Global Leaders’ Interaction
- Summit Goals: The Sharm el-Sheikh summit aimed to support the ceasefire reached in Gaza, end the Israel-Hamas war, and develop a long-term vision for governing and rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory.
- International Presence: The gathering included over two dozen world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and French President Emmanuel Macron, all working towards a unified approach to Middle East peace.
