Hollande: France will stand by Greece

France will stand by Greece with regard to a series of reforms the cash-strapped country has agreed to as part of a new bailout deal with its lenders, French President Francois Hollande told Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras as the two met at the Maximos Mansion on Friday. Hollande also said his country would assist Greece in the ongoing refugee crisis.

“Solidarity should not be confined to words, it takes action,” said Hollande.

At the meeting Tsipras highlighted the need for Europe’s progressive powers to work together. “The European Union must return to its founding values,” he said.

Following the Maximos Mansion meeting, Hollande is scheduled to deliver a speech at Greek Parliament at noon.