Greece optimistic on deal with euro zone next week

Greek national flags are displayed for sale at the entrance of a one Euro shop in Athens, March 2, 2015. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece is optimistic about reaching a deal on economic reforms with its euro zone peers early next week, unblocking urgently needed funding, its economy minister said on Thursday.

After talks with EU leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the past week, Athens said it would present a package of reforms to its euro zone partners by Monday in the hope of unlocking aid and avoiding bankruptcy.