Argentina asked the International Monetary Fund for financing to help stem a five-month-rout in the peso that is sparking a surge in interest rates and threatening to derail the country’s economic recovery.

“This will allow us to face the new global scenario and avoid a crisis like the ones we have faced before in our history," President Mauricio Macri said in a televised address Tuesday.

The president didn’t state how much money was being requested but a person with direct knowledge of the talks said officials are seeking a flexible credit line worth $30 billion. Treasury Minister Nicolas Dujovne will head a delegation flying to Washington on Tuesday evening for talks with the Fund, the ministry said. The IMF said in a statement the talks will help strengthen Argentina’s economy "in short order."

It is expected that IMF will require measures similar to Greece. Selling all good stuff to their affiliates and cut the expenses for social programs and workers,