Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras expressed optimism on Wednesday that Greece will overcome the current crisis and move forward.

In a short conservation he had with outgoing President Karolos Papoulias upon his arrival at the Presidential Mansion, the Prime Minister characterized the current situation as very “critical” for the country.

The government is expected to submit a request for the extension of the country’s current loan agreement and Tsipras expressed a hope that it will be accepted.

“We’re involved in a difficult negotiation. We were aware that we would encounter obstacles and a hard stance from our partners. However, we had not expected such a wide feeling of patriotic pride sweeping through the country,” said the PM.

On his part, Papoulias said he has been closely watching the government’s efforts in what he described as a historic moment for Europe.