Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt: At the Gaza peace summit in Egypt, a lighter moment unfolded among world leaders when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to quit smoking. The exchange, caught on camera by İhlas News Agency, quickly drew attention online for its candid and humorous tone amidst serious discussions on Middle East peace.

Erdogan was heard telling Meloni, “I saw you coming down from the plane. You look great. But I have to make you stop smoking.” Standing nearby, French President Emmanuel Macron couldn’t help but laugh, jokingly replying, “It’s impossible!” The friendly banter added a human touch to the otherwise tense summit, which gathered world leaders to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and long-term plans for the reconstruction of Palestinian territories.

Meloni responded playfully, warning that giving up cigarettes might make her less sociable. “I know, I know. I don’t want to kill somebody,” she quipped. In her recent interviews, Meloni has admitted that smoking often helps her connect with other world leaders, including Tunisian President Kais Saied.

Erdogan, known for his anti-tobacco stance, has long championed a “Smoke-Free Türkiye” initiative, part of the country’s 2024–2028 action plan. The campaign focuses on raising awareness about the harms of tobacco, offering cessation programs, and protecting young people from addiction. Despite the light-hearted exchange, the summit’s central agenda remained focused on achieving a Gaza ceasefire and uniting global efforts toward lasting peace in the region.