In a truly unusual diplomatic gesture, the Italian government has taken care of the restaurant tab for four Italian tourists in Albania who departed without settling their bill.

The dine-and-dash incident, which occurred in the city of Berat, caught the attention of media in both countries.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama raised the matter with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, during her visit to Albania. In response, Meloni instructed her ambassador to "go and pay the bill for these idiots," as reported by La Stampa newspaper.

Italy's embassy in Albania officially confirmed that it covered the bill, estimated to be around €80 (£68), on behalf of its citizens.

In a statement, the embassy remarked, "Italians adhere to regulations and fulfill their financial responsibilities, and we trust that such incidents will not recur."

Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy's agriculture minister and Meloni's brother-in-law, who was also present during the Albania trip, stated to Reuters news agency that settling the bill was a matter of pride.

"A small number of dishonest individuals should not tarnish the reputation of a nation of honorable people," Lollobrigida asserted.

Although the exact date of the incident remains unclear, surveillance footage showing the group leaving the restaurant and disappearing into the night has circulated widely on social media.

The restaurant owner, speaking to Albania's Report TV, noted that this was the first instance of patrons leaving without paying and mentioned that the four Italian guests had even praised the food.