Silvio Berlusconi the master of 'peek-a-boo' diplomacy

The Italian prime minister's odd choice of words was a reference to an incident two years ago when, at a summit in Trieste, he hid behind a lamp post before springing out in front of Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, with the words "cou-cou" (Italian for "peek-a-boo").

After recovering from the surprise, Mrs Merkel spread her arms in welcome and said: "Oh, Silvio!"

"I inaugurated a new kind of diplomacy, peek-a-boo diplomacy ... a very special kind of politics," he told a summit of politicians and diplomats from Mediterranean countries in Milan.

The 73-year-old billionaire said his peculiar brand of statecraft was "based on being open to the interests of others and on friendship." He claimed his behaviour and saloon bar jokes, many of which revolve around banter about attractive young women, helped "bring down barriers" between leaders.

Mr Berlusconi could not resist a fresh round of innuendo-laden quips in his opening address to the Milano Med Forum 2010.

In a clunky play on English, he told delegates that although his "playboy" days were over he remained a "play-old".

He invited Mediterranean leaders to "bring some good-looking girls over some time", telling them: "We would appreciate them because we're Latins."

Several female MPs were less than appreciative of his humour.

"The prime minister plays the Latin lover once again and reiterates his obsession with women, who he sees as fresh meat to be consumed," said Paola Pellegrini, an MP from the Italian Left.

Silvana Mura, from the Italy of Values opposition party, said: "The prime minister never passes up an opportunity to make Italy look ridiculous on the international stage with his unacceptable, sexist jokes based on women as objects.

"He should spend more time addressing the many problems that Italy faces, which right now are paralysing his government."