Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who paid a short visit to Athens on Sunday to address an event organized by Greek- American entrepreneurs, called for support to the ailing Greek economy.

"I believe that together, we can do something to help you," Clinton told Prime Minister Antonis Samaras during a meeting, according to a press release issued by the premier's office.

Both stressed the need for structural reforms along fiscal consolidation in the debt-laden country to reverse deep recession fuelled by harsh austerity over the past two years and tackle the Greek debt crisis.

Samaras welcomed Clinton as "a good friend of Greece" and thanked him for his participation in an initiative launched by members of the Greek- American community.

The so-called Hellenic Initiative aims to help Greece overcome the crisis by promoting foreign investments, improving the country's image and supporting charities with some 100 million dollars.

The project is strongly supported by the Clinton Global Initiative that aims to address international challenges by bringing together distinguished personalities from across the world.

In statements made during the meeting with Samaras, shortly before addressing a Greek-American audience, Clinton stressed that he believes in Greece's future.

The Greek leader on the other hand, reiterated the new coalition government's determination to step up efforts to counter the crisis.

As a delegation of auditors of international creditors is due to return to Athens this week for talks with Greek officials on new measures to address the crisis before the release of new aid to Greece, the Greek government insists that further painful austerity will not resolve problems.

Greece requests from EU and International Monetary Fund creditors who support the country with vital multi-billion euro rescue loans since 2010 to avert a disorderly default and euro exit that could rock global economy, to amend some tough terms of the bailout deals to tackle recession and boost growth.

Source: VietNamNet/Xinhuanet