Kehl, Germany  - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Saturday snubbed a ceremonial walk by NATO leaders on a bridge across the Rhine River because he was busy on the phone.

Televised images of the event showed Berlusconi getting out of his car while intent on a conversation on his mobile phone. He then gestured to German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he would salute her later, and continued with his call while other leaders gathered on the bridge for a group photo.

Berlusconi later rejoined the group for a second photo and apparently apologised to Merkel.

Italy's premier is well known for his antics. Only last Wednesday, he was reported to have been scolded by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II for shouting "Mr Obama" after a group photograph was taken following a palace reception for G20 leaders in London.

Berlusconi also made global headlines in November, when he described the US president, Barack Obama, as "suntanned."

The Italian premier was attending a NATO summit marking the 60th anniversary of the transatlantic alliance. The gathering was being co-hosted by France and Germany. (dpa)