ATHENS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- German Finance Minister Christian Lindner called for closer cooperation among the member states of the European Union (EU) to enable them to cope with the ongoing energy crisis and commended the Greek economy's progress in the post-bailout era during his visit here on Tuesday.

"I'm very much in favor of more cooperation among member states an integrated energy market and of furthering efforts to address climate change, mitigation and the green transition," he said at a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart, Christos Staikouras, following their meeting.

"We need European, decisive political solutions with a vision for the present and future of Europe," Staikouras added.

He commended Greece for its progress in the post-bailout period despite the challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy crisis.

Greece exited the bailout era in the summer of 2018 after averting bankruptcy by relying, since 2010, on three international bailout programs. In the past four years, the country returned to growth and gradually also to the international markets.

The Eurogroup meeting this Thursday is expected to give the green light for Greece's exit from the enhanced surveillance regime, Staikouras said. A final decision is expected in August.

The secret of success in this course has been a bold reform drive for sustainable economic growth, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. He held separate talks with Lindner.

"We are supporting the transition from enhanced surveillance to normal post-program surveillance...And we want to encourage our Greek friends and partners to continue this ambitious reform agenda since it has proven its worth and effectiveness," Lindner said. Enditem

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