This post was written by Hatchet reporter Elizabeth Georgakopoulos.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew held a press conference about the global economy and his goals for the next fiscal year in the Jack Morton Auditorium Friday, as part of the International Monetary Fund’s Annual Meetings.

Lew commended his colleagues for overcoming the economic downturn of 2009 and said he is optimistic about the U.S.’s continued economic progress.

“I stress the importance of a strong, sustainable balance and inclusive global growth so that the benefits of that growth can be shared more broadly within each of our countries and across the globe,” Lew said.

Countries’ leaders recently have communicated more efficiently, which has led them to utilize more policy tools and “fiscal space,” Lew said.  He added that some nations’ financial systems need more inclusive growth to achieve economic equality.

Economies around the globe have taken advantage of “fiscal space” to promote economic equality, Lew said. For example, Japan delayed their consumption tax hike and announced a new fiscal stimulus, he said.

Although Lew said the U.S. and other countries have made positive strides toward economic equality, he cautioned his colleagues to pay attention to the constantly evolving economy.

“Over the past several days, I continue to press for aggressive use of all tools to support growth, further monetary accommodations, demand strength of fiscal policies and demand support of structural reforms,” Lew said.

This fiscal year, Lew said he would focus on Europe’s economy – especially after Britain’s recent referendum, known as “Brexit,” and Greece’s financial crisis.

Lew said he hopes for a “highly integrated relationship” between the European Union and Britain, which would benefit the U.S., Europe and most other economies around the world.

Lew added that this year’s annual meeting was one of the first that Greece was not considered “in crisis,” after years of country’s economy lagging.

“Greece continues to implement the measures that have already been passed and are making headway on the next set of milestones due in October, including by following through on privatization plans and moving forward with critical financial sector reforms,” he said.