The Gaza ceasefire summit, held in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, was hailed by world leaders as a historic achievement, and US President Donald Trump celebrated it as a key success of his second term.
However, the spectacle also served as a reminder that international diplomacy under Trump's leadership rarely goes according to plan.
The following is a summary of spontaneous flattery and awkward situations that have simultaneously confused and made world leaders, diplomats, collaborators, and social media users laugh.
The beautiful Đorđa Meloni
In the middle of his speech on stage, Trump turned to Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni and declared, "She's a beautiful young woman."
“If you use the word ‘beautiful’ for a woman in the United States, it means the end of your political career — but I’ll take the risk,” he added. Then he addressed Meloni directly: “You don’t mind being called beautiful, do you? Because you are.”
Meloni was the only woman among the approximately 30 world leaders who took the stage during the peace summit.
Macron's teasing
While Trump showered Meloni with compliments, he had a slightly more humorous message for his "good friend," French President Emmanuel Macron.
On stage, Trump thanked Macron for his support, looked around - initially unsuccessfully - to find him, and then added about the photogenic French leader:
"I can imagine Emanuel standing somewhere behind me... where is he? I can't believe he's taken a low-key approach today."
The leaders burst into laughter, including Meloni, known for her sometimes strained relationship with the French president.
Trump quickly added, to lighten the mood: "He's my friend."
You're rich
When Trump saw Manchester City owner and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the summit, he couldn't resist making a joke about the man from the wealthy petro-monarchy.
"Lots of cash, unlimited cash! And he's a good man too..." Trump laughed.
Expensive ticket
Perhaps the most unusual guest at the luxury resort was FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who posed for photos with Trump and even joined a group shot with world leaders.
Next year's World Cup will, of course, be largely held in the United States, which means that Trump and Infantino have a common interest in developing their "friendship."
Trump jokingly poked fun at Infantino over World Cup ticket prices, joking with reporters: "He charges a lot for those tickets, doesn't he?"
Admission to the first game of the US national team will cost fans at least $560, while the cheapest tickets for the final are $2.030.
Into the smoke
Who says European leaders aren't friends? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan showed he cares by advising Giorgio Meloni to quit smoking.
"You look great. But I have to make you give up cigarettes," Erdogan told her, to which Emmanuel Macron quipped that it was "impossible."
"I know, I know," Meloni sighed, warning that quitting smoking might make her less social. "I don't want to kill anyone."
Microphone problem
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, desperate to maintain good relations with Trump, quickly ran towards him when the president asked from the stage: "Where is the United Kingdom?"
While Starmer appeared ready to address the crowd, Trump instead said, “I’m so glad you’re here,” and continued his speech—leaving the British prime minister to take the longest few steps back from the podium. What was he trying to say? We’ll never know.
Guessing game
Another thing we will never know - or maybe we will - is the list of names in Trump's "black notebook." In front of world leaders, the US president admitted: "There are a few people I don't really like, but I'm not going to tell you who they are."
The drama continued when he added, "Actually, there are a few I don't like at all. You'll never know who they are."
And then, to the delight of the reporters, he added a dose of mystery: "Or maybe you will."
Canada
Although Trump clashed with other world leaders on several occasions, the summit was largely marked by a good atmosphere and mutual kindness.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney chimed in to thank Trump for accidentally calling him president. "I'm glad you promoted me," Carney joked with a smile.
“Oh, did I?” Trump replied, eager to have the last word, adding, “At least I didn’t say governor.”
The quip was directed at Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whom Trump has often mocked during his two terms as US president.
Orban's inclination
In an unusual scene, Hungarian nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban slowly emerged from behind a group of world leaders and bowed deeply to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who was speaking with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the time.
Observers were left to speculate: was it a gesture of protocol formality, a flattering gift, or simply a diplomatic mix-up? Or perhaps - an inside joke.
Praise or warning?
While Orban bowed, Trump was more direct with the Azerbaijani leader. “You don’t want him to be your enemy,” Trump said, delivering his signature mix of praise and warning as he posed for a photo next to a mustachioed Ilham Aliyev.
Family matters
The Sharm el-Sheikh summit was truly a networking event like no other. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was caught, unaware that the microphone was on, asking Trump for a meeting with Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization.
His father, a tycoon turned politician, readily agreed: "I'll tell Eric to call you. Do I want to do it? He's such a good guy."
Prepared by: NB
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