Former U.S. President Barack Obama expressed concerns about the division within American society in front of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom he had a close relationship on the international diplomatic stage during his tenure.
According to foreign media on the 2nd (local time), Obama said at a public dialogue event with former Chancellor Merkel held in Washington D.C. on the 2nd, "The German people, who were divided by a wall for decades, now share an identity as one nation and are prospering," adding, "I hope the United States will become like that as well."
Although the American people are divided along political orientations and ideologies, this statement is interpreted as meaning that the U.S. should overcome its differences by learning from the unification of East and West Germany.
The public dialogue was arranged as part of the commemorative event for former Chancellor Merkel's memoir publication.
During his presidency, Obama maintained a close relationship with Merkel, cooperating closely on various issues on the international diplomatic stage.
In her memoir, former Chancellor Merkel introduced behind-the-scenes stories from the international diplomatic stage along with her impressions of some world leaders.
Regarding then President-elect Donald Trump, with whom she clashed several times on the international stage, she harshly criticized him, saying, "He does not believe in the very concept of cooperation for mutual prosperity," and described Russian President Vladimir Putin negatively as "someone who always disregards others."
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