US President Barack Obama has given a historic speech on the second day of his visit to the Greek capital.
Hosted at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center on Wednesday, he spoke highly of Greece’s contribution to the modern world.
“I came here with gratitude for all that Greece – ‘this small, great world’ – has given to humanity through the ages,” Mr Obama said, referring to Aeschylus, Euripides, Herodotus, Thucydides, Socrates and Aristotle.
He spoke further about democracy and its values, ones that he endeavoured to honour while in office with hopes that his successor, Donald Trump will do the same.
President Obama also highlighted the efforts Greece has made in responding to the refugee crisis as a positive example for the rest of the world, despite the country and its people experiencing their own challenges.
“Because our democracies are inclusive, we’re able to welcome people and refugees in need to our countries. And nowhere have we seen that compassion more evident than here in Greece,” Mr Obama said.
Greece’s government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos expressed that they were pleased with the crucial issues raised by the President, including the refugee crisis, Cyprus and the country’s debt.
“The US president made clear that austerity cannot lead to economic prosperity,” Mr Tzanakopoulos said, adding that the event was of “global significance”.
With Greece so far meeting the criteria for a Eurogroup meeting on 5 December, the spokesman was hopeful, adding that “There is a very good possibility that by the end of the year we will have very positive developments as regards the Greek debt,” reports Kathimerini.
While other parties were also positive about Obama’s visit, PASOK leader Fofi Gennimata noted that “the problem is that Obama leaves but unfortunately the problems remain here and remain unsolved.”
The speech was originally organised to be given at the ancient site of Pnyx Hill, considered to be the birthplace of democracy, however plans were altered to a closed and more secure venue due to security concerns following an attack on the French Embassy in Athens earlier this week.
President Obama is the fourth US President to have ever visited Greece, and during his stay enjoyed a visit through various ancient sites, including a tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum with the director of Ephorate of Antiquities for Athens of the Ministry of Culture, Dr Eleni Banou.
His final overseas trip as President of the United States, Mr Obama is now in Berlin meeting with German chancellor, Angela Merkel.
Watch President Obama’s full speech below: