WorldATHENS, AFP -US President Barack Obama on Wednesday said globalisation needed a “course correction” to address growing inequality, in a speech full of pointed barbs at his successor Donald Trump. Wrapping up the Greek leg of a farewell European tour aimed at reassuring traditional allies concerned over a Trump presidency, Obama acknowledged that globalisation had fuelled a sense of “injustice.” “The global path of globalisation demands a course correction,” Obama, 55, said in an eagerly awaited speech in Athens, before continuing his journey to Berlin. - 'My closest partner' - ======================== However, Obama has been at pains to stress that Europe -- and NATO -- would remain the cornerstone of US foreign policy. “Today more than ever, the world needs a Europe that is strong and prosperous and democratic,” he said. And he pledged support for its economy, as Greek leaders seek a fresh US pledge to help alleviate the country's enormous public debt, a measure actively sought by the International Monetary Fund but opposed by leading European lender Germany.

Source: Sunday Times November 16, 2016 16:15 UTC