In a dark suit and sneakers, occasionally holding an umbrella to protect against the rain, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the heads of state and governments who traveled to Tirana for the European political community summit.

From the Albanian capital, “where all of Europe has gathered today and the whole world is watching”, Rama welcomed foreign leaders with open arms, reserving a communication show.

As a host, the Socialist Prime Minister waited patiently on the red carpet of every leader, despite the rain that was intense from time to time.

At the arrival of Italian Prime Minister George Meloni, Rama knelt in front of his “sister” as he is used to calling her.

As the rain stopped and the sun rose as French President Emmanuel Macron was getting out of his car, the Albanian prime minister exclaimed “the king of the sun comes” and followed by a heartfelt embrace.

Prior to the speeches and bilateral meetings, the high guests attended a music and dance performance at the Tirana Opera and Ballet Theater. Attendees broke out laughing when the leaders appeared on the screen … transformed into babies – thanks to the help of artificial intelligence – to send a message “Welcome to Albania” everyone in their language.

Hosting a summit overshadowed by talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Rama did everything he could to avoid being unnoticed.

“I have to share some sensitive information with you. We were suspicious, but now it was scientifically proven by the European Center for Meteorological Prognosis: the persistent rain – which is not ours – brought the British delegation yesterday morning, “Rama said at the start of the talks before giving the speech to Macron.

The work of the meeting was carried out at the so -called “House of Europe” in Tirana. A huge scene was set up in the central square of the Albanian capital, decorated with children’s paintings depicting “Dreams for Europe”.

With his victory in the Sunday elections, Edi Rama secured a fourth term in the Prime Minister’s Holb. He reiterated his promise of the country’s accession to the European Union until the end of the decade.

The opposition, led by the former president (1992-1997) and Prime Minister (2005-2013), Sali Berisha, denounced electoral fraud and called on his supporters to demonstrations