Greek finance minister: Athens is 'absolutely not' leaving the euro zone

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, asked on arrival at his first meeting of the Euro Group if Athens might leave the euro zone, replied "absolutely not".

Restating the new government's position, he added that he was confident of constructive talks in Brussels on Wednesday with his fellow ministers.

Greek and European officials in Brussels discussed on Wednesday what could constitute a "bridge agreement" for Greece once its bailout expires on Feb. 28, a Greek government official said.

The meeting took place "in a very good climate", the official added.

The meeting was between Eurogroup Chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem, IMF chief Christine Lagarde, Euro Working Group President Thomas Wieser and the Greek delegation led by Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis.