Obama says goodbye to world stage

Historic presidency and charisma have made him a rock star on international scene

US President Barack Obama bid farewell to the world stage on Sunday, pondering his legacy, offering advice to his successor and discussing his post-presidential life at the end of his final foreign tour.

His historic presidency and charisma have made Obama a rock star on the international scene, even at times when the daily grind of politics dimmed the glow around his election as the United States' first black president in 2008.

Obama spoke to both the US people and the world as he gave his final foreign news conference in Lima, Peru.

But ultimately, those two audiences are inseparably linked, he insisted.

It was a key message as he prepares to hand over to President-elect Donald Trump - who has spooked some in the international community with his volatile style and isolationist rhetoric.

Several of Obama's fellow world leaders said an emotional goodbye as they wrapped up a summit.

"It's a great moment, but a sad moment, to have our last meeting," said Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"I am going to miss having Barack around," said Canada's Justin Trudeau, in comments that were tinged with a sense of uncertainty about things to come.

Here are some key points from Obama's remarks:

President Trump

It was an awkward trip for Obama, who campaigned against Trump as an unfit successor but now wants to reassure US allies on the future.

He asked the world to treat the brash billionaire as he himself vowed to do: "Wait and see".

At the same time, he sought to pre-empt his successor on some key issues.

He said Trump's presidency would likely be far different from his candidacy.

"Once you're in the Oval Office, once you begin interacting with world leaders, once you see the complexities of the issues, that has a way of shaping your thinking," Obama said.

Legacy

Obama voiced regret that, despite high approval ratings, he was stymied on issues like gun control, a minimum wage increase and infrastructure spending.

But he defended the values of his presidency. "The touchstone is what's good for the American people," he said.

"At the end of the day and at the end of eight years, I can look back and say that I consistently did what I thought was best. Doesn't mean you don't make mistakes. But it means you're being true to your oath and the commitments you made to the people who elected you."

Life after presidency

Obama was clear about his first priority for post-presidential life: "Take (First Lady) Michelle on vacation."

The president said he wants to "get some rest, spend time with my girls and do some writing, do some thinking".

He does not plan to immediately wade back into politics.

"I want to be respectful of the office and give the president-elect an opportunity to put forward his platform," he said.