US President Barack Obama said Monday that America must continue to be a "beacon of hope" as the world goes through a period of great change. Obama made the remark to reporters before setting out for a farewell visit to Europe where US allies are adjusting to the shock election of populist billionaire Donald Trump.

"This is a time of great change in the world, but America's always been a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope to peoples around the globe. And that's what it must continue to be," Obama told a press conference. US President Barack Obama on Monday sought to reassure Washington's European allies that his imminent successor Donald Trump had reaffirmed his "commitment to Nato."

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