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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it is impressed by Greece's determination to solve its debt crisis.The IMF also said it had speeded up its loan talks with Greece, and would have the funds ready in time to meet the country's needs.
IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn met Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou on Sunday.
On Friday, Greece asked for emergency EU-IMF loans to bail out its debt-ridden economy.
The country has asked the IMF for $13.4bn (£8.7bn). It will need a chunk of that before May 19, when it faces a debt payment of $11.3bn.
Greece also is hoping to obtain loans of about $40bn from its fellow European countries.
Mr Strauss-Kahn said everyone involved in the rescue plan was aware of the need for swift action, and he was optimistic of a speedy result: "I am confident that we will conclude discussions in time to meet Greece's needs," he said in a statement.
He praised the efforts of the Greek people, which he said were "courageous".This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.