Meeting between Argentine economy minister, IMF officials had 'constructive climate' - ministry

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - A meeting between Argentine Economy Minister Martin Guzman and International Monetary Fund officials on Friday took place in a "constructive climate," a statement by the ministry said.

The IMF mission will stay in Argentina until Feb. 19 with the aim of observing the country's economic and social situation, and the progress of the government's economic programme, the statement said.

Officials from the IMF arrived in Buenos Aires earlier this week to continue talks with the government about the restructuring of Argentina's $57-billion (£44 billion) financing programme with the Fund.

(Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Chris Reese)