Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took an unexpected detour from Middle East diplomacy to address Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s smoking habit during the Gaza peace summit in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh.
In an informal exchange captured by İhlas News Agency, Erdogan told Meloni he would help her quit smoking. “I saw you coming down from the plane. You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking,” the Turkish president said on the sidelines of the gathering aimed at supporting the Gaza ceasefire and broader Middle East peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron, standing nearby, interjected with laughter: “It’s impossible!”
Meloni responded with characteristic humor, suggesting cessation might affect her temperament. “I know, I know. I don’t want to kill somebody,” she replied.
Smoking as Diplomatic Tool
The Italian Prime Minister has previously acknowledged that smoking facilitates informal bonding with world leaders. In a book based on interview series, she noted the habit helped her connect with figures including Tunisian President Kais Saied.
Erdogan’s Anti-Tobacco Campaign
Erdogan’s remarks reflect his broader commitment to eliminating tobacco use in Turkey. Through the nationwide “Smoke-Free Türkiye” campaign, Ankara has developed a 2024-2028 action plan focusing on awareness campaigns, cessation support programs, and youth protection from tobacco exposure.
The Turkish president has made tobacco eradication a priority domestic policy objective, positioning the country toward what he describes as a smoke-free future.
Summit Context
The exchange occurred during a high-level gathering in the Red Sea resort town designed to consolidate international support for the Gaza ceasefire agreement ending the Israel-Hamas conflict. World leaders assembled to discuss long-term governance and reconstruction plans for the devastated Palestinian territory.
The summit appeared structured to rally backing for US President Donald Trump’s vision for concluding the war and establishing sustainable peace frameworks in the region.
Meloni and Erdogan were among numerous heads of state participating in discussions about post-conflict stabilization, humanitarian assistance, and political arrangements for Gaza’s future administration.
The informal tobacco conversation provided a lighter moment amid serious deliberations about Middle East security, ceasefire implementation, and reconstruction efforts. However, it also highlighted Erdogan’s consistent messaging on public health issues even during high-stakes diplomatic engagements.
The summit represents ongoing international efforts to translate the ceasefire into lasting peace while addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and political vacuum following the prolonged conflict.
