[custom_adv] Throughout her 11-year reign, the German chancellor has been at the centre of numerous cringe-worthy smooches with leading politicians - with the US President the latest in a long line. [custom_adv] He was welcomed with very open arms yesterday when he landed in Hannover keen to hammer out a controversial American - European trade pact. [custom_adv] Seemingly oblivious to the anger of her own people over the proposed Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Mrs Merkel warmly embraced and kissed the US president on the cheek. [custom_adv] from the enemy, as the British Prime Minister has been snapped on many occasions leaning in for a fateful kiss with the German strongwoman. [custom_adv] Probably, the most memorable embrace was the moment Gordon Brown puckered up for a smooch with Mrs Merkel and instead landed his lips clumsily on her nose instead. [custom_adv] Both politicians once again drew attention with their awkward style and apparent over-enthusiasm.Meanwhile, there was no love lost when Hungarian prime minister opted to kiss the German chancellor on her hand - perhaps a premature sign of the now simmering tensions between the world leaders over Mrs Merkel’s open door migrant policy. [custom_adv] But Mrs Merkel wasn’t always so friendly - in her first meeting with former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, out she came with a businesslike German handshake just as he ducked in for a kiss. [custom_adv] However, there is somebody that Mrs Merkel may not be quite so keen to embrace. Former Italian leader Silvio Berluscon [custom_adv] A kiss is a common way of expressing affection and in many cultures it is often used for greeting. In some ancient societies, a kiss was a marker of social status. Politicians are no strangers to smooching and are not afraid to give a peck during public events. [custom_adv] On a cheek or on the lips, friendly, affectionate or awkward - top political figures have delighted photojournalists with all sorts of kisses. Nowadays, even a handshake, let alone a kiss, is a no-go area for some officials as the coronavirus pandemic is still raging across the globe. To remind our readers of some of the most memorable kisses by top politicians, Sputnik team compiled a photogallery - don't miss the chance to check it out.