In Greece, Obama tries to reassure NATO allies

By Furkan Naci Top

ATHENS, Greece

U.S. President Barack Obama aimed at boosting confidence of NATO allies in a speech in Athens on Wednesday.

In his last overseas trip before handing the presidency to Donald Trump, Obama emphasized the importance of democracy at home and worldwide, while urging for an inclusive economy and more equality.

"I am confident that just as America's commitment to the Translantic Alliance has endured for seven decades, whether it has been under a Democratic or a Republican administration, that commitment will continue," said Obama.

"That's how with diplomacy we were able to shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot [and] with diplomacy the United States opened relations with Cuba," the president said in defense of his policies.

Obama also promised the "smoothest transition" for the presidency. "The next American president and I could not be more different, but our democracy is bigger than any one person," he added.

Obama also reiterated his support to debt-laden Greece, calling the country's creditors for a relief on the debt, which is about 180 percent of the country's GDP.

Calling increasing inequality as the greatest threat to economies and democracies, Obama also called for fair growth policies to prevent "disruptions" among societies caused by some "living by a different set of rules, manipulating loopholes and evading tax".