President Biden awkwardly salutes Italian PM Giorgia Meloni at G7 meet

Rome/Italy: US President Joe Biden triggered debates surrounding his age after he awkwardly saluted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni when he joined her at the G7 summit in Italy on Thursday.

President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni exchanged a hug and talked a few moments before Biden raised his hand in what appeared to be saluting her and walked off the stage.

Later, the 81-year-old leader was seen in another video wandering off from a group of leaders posing for a photo.

Having paced a few feet, President Biden gave a thumbs up to someone to a direction where no one could be seen.

Prime Minister Meloni came over to him, bringing his attention back to the group of leaders and Biden shuffled back, joining for the photo.

Recently, Biden stood motionless for nearly a minute during a musical performance at the White House.

Biden, who is often criticised for his fumbles and gaffes, was seen motionless while Vice President Kamala Harris, her husband and others were dancing.

Biden’s gaze was seen fixed with no emotions on his face.

Republicans mock Biden in an attempt to discredit him as the presidential candidate over his advanced age.

Biden had several such awkward moments in public when he interacted with world leaders including in instance in February, he confused French President Emmanuel Macron's name with former leader, Francois Mitterrand.

Francois Mitterrand has been dead for nearly 30 years. On another occasion he incorrectly called his deputy as "President Kamala Harris".