Former President of United States Barack Obama received a rock-star welcome in Berlin as he appeared at a public debate today with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he praised as one of his favorite partners during his presidency.
Security was tight in front of the German capital’s iconic Brandenburg Gate, where Obama and Merkel appeared on a podium before thousands of people attending a gathering marking the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
After lauding Merkel as someone who had done outstanding work, Obama launched a defense of his own presidency and the values of liberal democracy championed by both leaders.
In a veiled reference to his successor Donald Trump, Obama also spoke of the need to see development aid and diplomacy as essential aspects of national security policy.
Merkel is due to travel to Brussels later today for a meeting with leaders of fellow NATO member states, including President Trump.