The International Monetary Fund is calling on European creditor nations to commit to "upfront unconditional" debt relief for Greece as part of an international rescue programme for the debt-laden nation.
The IMF is involved in talks on making Greece's debt sustainable to approve the country's latest reforms and make new loans available.
The Washington-based lender says that debt relief is "critical" to show markets that Greece's creditors are committed to helping it navigate the crisis.
The statement comes a day ahead of a meeting among Europe's top officials in Brussels to discuss the issue.
Eurozone countries have previously avoided discussing debt reduction until a review is completed into how Greece has implemented austerity measures needed to receive an €86 billion rescue package.