"Have some tea." "No, thank you." — "I didn't ask": Putin's tea party with the king of Saudi Arabia turned into a meme

On October 5, 2017, the King of Saudi Arabia paid a visit to Russia for the first time in history. The first and only time the Russian president visited Saudi Arabia was back in 2007 — the return visit had to wait 10 years.

During a truly historic moment of the meeting in the Kremlin, the heads of state sat down at the negotiating table, and, as a hospitable Russian host, Vladimir Putin began pouring tea to Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and his translator. The king and the translator refused tea, and the photo of this very moment five months later suddenly turned into a meme on Reddit.

By the way, the very first minute of the monarch's official visit to the capital was marked by embarrassment — the plane's escalator jammed halfway through, and the king had to walk the rest of the way.

In the r/ANormalDayInRussia subreddit, the user -MGP- posted a picture with the caption: "The moment when Putin offers you tea." The competition in wit was not long in coming. So far, Putin's alleged dialogue with a high-ranking guest has gained the most likes. According to the commentator, the president does not like to be refused.

Later, the Arab media noted that the president's gesture was a violation of diplomatic protocol.

"Well, a little bit, guys, tea will give you a healthy greenish glow."

One of the versions of the refusal of tea, according to commentators, is associated with the fear of poisoning.

"No thanks, I'm allergic to polonium."

"Putin drinks from the same kettle. Everything should be fine. Unless the cups are poisoned."

"If I remember correctly, in many cultures where they drink tea, it is customary to refuse twice before responding to hospitality and agreeing, because in these cultures it is considered politeness."

There were also references to the "Star Wars" films.

"I changed the terms of the contract, pray that I don't change anything else."

"Then it's treason."