Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos met with International Monetary Fund Chief Christine Lagarde in Lima, Peru, on the sidelines of the annual summit of the IMF and the World Bank.The meeting took place in a cordial climate.

Following the meeting, Tsakalotos noted that Lagarde supports efforts by the Greek government to timely complete the first evaluation that will pave the way forthe recapitalization of banks.

He stressed that discussions on debt will start after the recapitalization of banks that is scheduled, before January 1, 2016. He states that the goal is to create the right conditions for Greece to exit the crisis.

IMF sources state that Tsakalotos briefed Lagarde on recent developments in Greece, including on the country’s reform program. Lagarde is interested in working with Greek authorities to foster reform.