Greece, Eurogroup call for swift closure of next bailout review

Greek leaders and visiting Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem stressed on Monday during talks here the need to swiftly conclude the third review of the third Greek bailout so as to pave the way for a successful, clean exit from the program in the summer of 2018.

"I believe it will be better for everyone, certainly for us, to conclude this review as soon as possible. I stress that from our part we will do our share," Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said when welcoming the Dutch official, according to a statement from his office.

Dijsselbloem, for his part, said: "I remain fully committed in efforts so that Greece will continue to be an integral part of the European family and of course the eurozone...My goal is the conclusion of the assessment, the end of the program and the economic recovery of Greece," Dijsselbloem said.

His term at the helm of the Eurogroup ends in January, but Dijsselbloem expressed numerous times on Monday that he was committed to supporting the goal from any future post.

When Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met with Dijsselbloem shortly after, he echoed the comments made by Pavlopoulos on bringing about a positive ending to the third review.

"Our aim is to successfully close on time the third review so that we will be able to discuss about the next day for Greece and the economy...There is some good news about the progress of Greek economy, therefore today we are more optimistic about the future," he said.

"A lot of work has been done and the situation has improved significantly...I think we agree that it should be a clean exit and Greece should regain its financial independence. These are our common targets for which we must work together and we will do it," Dijsselbloem said, according to a press release from the Greek Premier's office.

The conclusion of the next review which is due to start in October could close before the end of this year, Dijsselbloem said, expressing optimism about the latest positive figures on the Greek economy and the improved economic climate.

Greek finance minister Euclid Tsakalotos, who also met with Dijsselbloem, said: "The goal is to leave the program without the need for another program. In that journey over the next ten months I am sure there will be hiccups and problems, but I think we will deal with them the same way we have been dealing with them the last two years: attempting to find solutions."