Meloni-Trump tension reflected in Ankara protocol
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was the last leader to arrive at the official dinner held at the Presidential Complex as part of the NATO Summit in Ankara. Italian media claimed that Meloni had asked not to be placed next to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The NATO Summit in Ankara drew attention not only with its diplomatic agenda but also with the tension between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni. Meloni’s late arrival at the official dinner at the Presidential Complex and her visible distance from Trump in the family photo became one of the most discussed details of the summit.
Meloni was welcomed by Cevdet Yılmaz
As part of the 36th NATO Heads of State and Government Summit, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted an official dinner at the Presidential Complex in honor of the leaders and their spouses.
After several leaders arrived one after another, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni became the last leader to reach the venue. Meloni was welcomed at the Presidential Complex by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz.
She entered to the sound of the Mehter March
An official welcome was held for Meloni at the Presidential Complex. As the Italian prime minister walked along the blue carpet, the military band played the Mehter March.
Meloni, who chose an elegant black suit for the evening, also drew attention with her sparkling necklace.
Tension with Trump reflected in protocol
Meloni’s arrival as the last leader at the dinner was interpreted in connection with her recent social media tension with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Before leaving for Türkiye, Trump had targeted Meloni on social media, using the phrase “restraining order needed.” His remarks raised questions over how the two leaders would be positioned during the summit in Ankara.
Italian media made a striking claim
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claimed that Meloni personally asked President Erdoğan not to place her next to Trump while the summit protocol was being arranged.
According to the report, Meloni wanted to avoid any possible tension with Trump and prevent another controversial photo opportunity.
Distance in the family photo stood out
The official family photo taken as part of the NATO Summit also drew attention.
Meloni was seen standing away from Trump and closer to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, maintaining distance from the U.S. president during the photo session.
Meeting with Erdoğan expected
Meloni arrived in Türkiye to attend the NATO Summit in Ankara. The summit is expected to focus on defense spending, NATO’s deterrence capacity, support for Ukraine and European security.
President Erdoğan and Meloni are also expected to hold talks on Türkiye-Italy relations, defense industry cooperation, European security and regional developments.
