Former US President Bill Clinton has insisted that Greece can overcome the crisis as he attempts to lead an initiative that aims to convince Greek-American businessmen to invest in the country.

“We believe that Greece is a country that is rich in terms of its people, resources, ideas and heritage,” Clinton said after meeting with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

“I’m sure that the coalition government creates a lot of trust with Diaspora Greeks. We are here to provide our support, not because we believe we have the answers but because we think we can achieve something together to help you.”

Clinton backed the government’s reform program and said it was vital that Greeks be given hope for the future.

“Young people need something to believe in,” he said. “Everyone knows their future is at stake. That’s why we are helping you to exit this crisis.”

The so-called “Hellenic Initiative”, backed by a group of prominent overseas Greeks led by Andrew Liveris, chief executive of Dow Chemical, is trying to raise $100 million in donations for medical supplies and poverty alleviation, according to the Financial Times.

Later, Clinton attended an event where he heard Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras assure the audience of Greek-American businessmen that Greece is committed to remaining in the euro.

“I assure you that the absolute majority of people want the euro because outside the euro there is a slow and painful death,” he said.