Obama praises the European Union. Says he brings a message of encouraging growth and giving young people around the world with ideas the same opportunities as the rest of the world.
Obama: Congratulates Greece over its handling of the refugee issue, emphasizes that no country should deal with such a problem alone.
Barack Obama received at the presidential mansion in central Athens by Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, expresses satisfaction over his visit to Greece. Refers to significance of visiting the land where democracy began, ideas that inspired the creation of the United States.
US President Barack Obama arrives at the Greek Presidential Palace.
"New Democracy welcomes US President Barack Obama expecting a productive and
useful visit for the Greek interests," said main opposition party in an
announcement on Tuesday.
The relations of mutual cooperation with the US are a stable choice of our
national strategy," added ND noting that "New Democracy did not discover America
today but it follows a policy based on the over time national interests and the
country's strategic orientation."
US President accompanied by US Treasury Secretary Lew, Athens-Macedonian News Agency reports.
Large convoy of vehicles, including two similar Cadillac limousines, one of which is carrying Barack Obama, depart the airport at 10:50 (08:50 GMT), east of Athens proper, for the undisclosed location where the US president will be hosted. His program commences in roughly two hours, first being received by the Greek President, and then by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
Athens under a massive security blanket, as roads where the US presidential limousine may pass will be closed to traffic. Five metro stations will be closed as well.
Minutes away from Obama exit from Airforce 1. A Hellenic Air Force honor guard is at the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. The US president will be received by the Greek defense minister. Obama's presence in the Greek capital, for two days, is a working visit, not an official visit.
Outgoing US President Barack Obama the Fourth US president to pay an official visit to Greece after Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1959, George H. Bush in 1991 and Bill Clinton in 1999
Αirforce 1 lands at Athens International Airport.
