Athens — Globalisation has brought many economic benefits to the world, but needs a "course correction" to address growing inequality, President Barack Obama said on his European farewell tour. Obama spoke on Wednesday during a visit originally planned as a valedictory lap, but which has become focused on reassuring jittery allies after the shock election victory of Donald Trump, a critic of free-trade agreements. Trump welcomed Brexit vote and criticises global free-trade agreements. But Obama stressed that Europe and Nato would remain the cornerstone of US foreign policy. US-led Nato was "absolutely vital" to US interests and a strong, unified Europe was good for America and the world, Obama said. "We know what happens when Europeans start dividing themselves up ... the 20th century was a bloodbath," he said on Tuesday. Next stop for Obama was Germany to visit Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he has called "probably my closest international partner these last eight years". While in ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.