(VOVworld) – A strong, prosperous and unified Europe is good for the US, and the NATO alliance is absolutely vital to US security and prosperity, said President Barack Obama during his visit to Greece on Tuesday, the first stop on his last official trip to Europe as President of the US. 

US President Barack Obama during his visit to Greece (Source: EPA/VNA)

At a meeting with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos in Athens, Mr. Obama emphasized the importance of the transatlantic alliance, saying it is the cornerstone of their mutual security and prosperity, and this will never change under any American government. He also reassured NATO member countries about Donald Trump’s campaign threat to support European allies only if they fulfill their financial responsibilities to the US. President Obama reaffirmed that the US government, led by a Republican or a Democratic, always recognizes the NATO alliance as absolutely vital.

After Greece, Obama will visit Germany, where he is scheduled to meet leaders of Germany, France, the UK, and Italy to discuss the Syrian and Ukrainian crises, and the fight against the Islamic State. He’ll conclude his final overseas trip by attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, and meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines.