Barack Obama waves to the crowd after delivering a speech at the Niarchos foundation in Athens on November 16, 2016 at the end of his official visit in Greece. Obama was on November 16 wrapping up the Greek leg of a farewell European trip with a visit to the Acropolis and an eagerly-awaited speech on democracy before heading to Berlin. On his final visit to Europe as president, Obama has chosen Greece, the "cradle of democracy", as the place to deliver a speech addressing the uncertainties that have led to the rise of populists like Donald Trump.
US President Barack Obama pays a farewell visit on Thursday to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, seen by some as the new standard bearer of liberal democracy since the election of Donald Trump.
On the last leg of his final European tour as president, Obama will try to ease fears about the future of the transatlantic partnership and thank Merkel for her friendship during his two terms, White House officials said.
In a joint article to coincide with his arrival in Germany, Obama and Merkel appealed for ongoing cooperation on the basis of shared principles to fight climate change, ensure collective defence within NATO, and promote free trade.
These values of democracy, justice and freedom form the foundation of our successful economies,” they wrote in business magazine Wirtschaftswoche.
“We owe it to our industries and our peoples indeed, to the global community to broaden and deepen our cooperation."
As Western leaders brace for potentially radical changes with Trump moving into the Oval Office in January, Obama wrapped up a visit to Athens Wednesday warning that globalisation required a “course correction” to keep voters from drifting to extremes.
“When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes… this feeds a profound sense of injustice,” he said.
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