When European leaders gathered recently, the spotlight was on a striking moment between two very different politicians — Albania’s towering Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italy’s petite Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The interaction couldn’t have been more memorable, especially coming just a day after a very different encounter involving the same Albanian leader and the British Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer.
Edi Rama’s Grand Gesture for Giorgia Meloni
As Giorgia Meloni arrived at the summit, Edi Rama put his umbrella aside and knelt dramatically before her on the red carpet.
Standing at a remarkable 6 feet 7 inches, the former pro basketball player clearly played up the moment, folding his hands together in a prayer-like pose before the two shared an embrace.
Meloni, who stands just 5 feet 3 inches, joked with reporters that Rama’s theatrical kneeling was just a playful way to “be as tall as me.”
Their warm rapport and lighthearted banter stood in contrast to the more tense exchanges Rama had with other leaders.
The Stark Difference in Height and Tone with Sir Keir Starmer
Just the day before, Rama’s interaction with Sir Keir Starmer could not have been more different.
Standing side by side at a press conference in Tirana, the 6-foot-7 Albanian PM towered over the British Labour leader, who is about 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Starmer had come to Albania to promote his plan for a tough new approach on immigration, inspired by Rwanda-style return centres for failed asylum seekers.
But instead of support, Rama publicly shot down the idea — and the moment left the Labour leader looking somewhat overshadowed and embarrassed.
Rama’s Firm No to UK’s Migrant Return Hubs
During the press conference, Starmer mentioned that Britain was “in talks with a number of countries” about setting up these offshore return hubs. He even hinted at discussions with Albania.
But Rama was quick to dismiss the idea, making a pointed jab while puffing out his chest.
“We have been asked by several countries if we were open to it, and we said no,” he said.
“We are loyal to the marriage with Italy and the rest is just love.”
His playful wording masked a clear refusal, emphasizing Albania’s close ties with Italy and rejecting Starmer’s proposal outright.
What This Means for Starmer’s Immigration Plans
This rejection was a blow to Starmer, who had just announced a crackdown on immigration back in the UK.
His plan to “tighten up every area of the immigration system” now faces real hurdles when key countries like Albania decline to cooperate.
The televised exchange made waves back home, with some Conservatives having a field day while Labour found itself on the defensive.
The size difference between the two leaders only added a visual metaphor to the political setback.
Edi Rama’s Stronghold and Political Clout
Meanwhile, Rama’s position in Albania remains rock solid.
He secured a fourth term as Prime Minister just days before the summit, cementing his status as the country’s longest-serving leader since communism ended.
His Socialist Party won 52 percent of the vote against the opposition led by former PM Sali Berisha.
Rama is respected by European and American leaders alike, seen as a stabilizing figure in the often-turbulent Balkan region.
His background is colorful — he studied art in Paris in his youth and has focused on steering Albania closer to Europe and away from Russian influence.
Albania’s Rising Star on the European Stage
Under Rama’s leadership, Albania has also become a popular destination, attracting over 10 million visitors annually to its stunning Adriatic Riviera.
The country’s growing prominence on the European map is part of the broader story of a nation reshaping its identity and alliances.
This recent summit moment between leaders may just be a small episode, but it shines a light on the complex web of relationships and political dynamics at play in Europe today.