Press Release No. 17/403

Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde on Meeting with Greece Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

October 16, 2017

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, met today in Washington with the Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras, to discuss recent developments in Greece and key issues ahead. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Managing Director made the following statement:

“I was very pleased to welcome Prime Minister Tsipras to the IMF today. I complimented him and the Greek people on the notable progress Greece has achieved in the implementation of difficult policies, including recent pension and income tax reforms. We had an excellent and productive meeting.

“The IMF recently approved in principle a new arrangement to support Greece’s policy program. Resolute implementation of this program, together with an agreement with Greece's European partners on debt relief, are essential to support Greece’s return to sustainable growth and a successful exit from official financing next year. The Prime Minister and I are committed to working together towards this goal.”