In an extraordinary display of diplomacy, the government of Italy has resolved the restaurant tab for four Italian tourists in Albania who departed without settling their bill.

The incident of leaving without payment, which occurred in the city of Berat, gained significant attention in both nations.

The buzz caught the attention of Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama, who brought it up with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, during her visit to the country.

In response, she instructed her ambassador to "proceed and cover the expenses for these individuals," as recounted by him in an interview with La Stampa newspaper.

Italy's embassy in Albania verified in a statement that it had covered the cost, reportedly amounting to around €80 (£68), on behalf of its citizens.

"The Italian citizens uphold the principle of adhering to regulations and fulfilling their obligations, and we trust that occurrences of this nature will be avoided in the future," the statement emphasized.

Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy's agriculture minister and also Giorgia Meloni's brother-in-law, who accompanied the delegation to Albania, conveyed to Reuters news agency that paying the bill was a point of honor..

"A few dishonest individuals cannot embarrass a nation of decent people," he said.

It is unclear when the incident happened but security video of the group walking out of the restaurant and wandering into the night has gone viral on social media.

The restaurant owner told Albania's Report TV that it was the first time customers had left his establishment without paying and said the four Italians had even complimented the food.

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