By Andrea Thomas

BERLIN--German Economics Minister Sigmar Gabriel Wednesday ruled out forgiving Greek debt and called on the new government in Athens to be open to fair talks and meet conditions for aid programs.

The new government of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has caused concern in Europe with its call to seek changes to the strict bailout regime imposed on Greece by its international creditors.

"I can't imagine a debt relief," said Mr. Gabriel. He also stressed that Germany wants to keep Greece in the eurozone and the new Greek government now has a big opportunity to fight corruption and tax evasion in a more credible way than previous governments have.

Germany and other eurozone countries will continue to provide financial solidarity towards Greece, but Athens must also meet the terms of previous bailout agreements in return, he said.

"Fairness and solidarity must be provided from both sides," he said. "It's not possible that things that don't get tackled in Greece will be paid for by people elsewhere. I can't explain to any German employee that taxpayers in other countries will pay for this."

The comments come after the new Greek government gave up plans to privatize a Greek port and said it would spend more on wages. Mr. Gabriel said Greece will have to raise the money elsewhere and can't expect other eurozone countries to make good for lower revenues or higher spending.

Greece has received two successive international bailouts since 2010 worth a total of 240 billion euros ($271 billion). About 60% of Greece's government debt is owned by eurozone countries.

Write to Andrea Thomas at andrea.thomas@wsj.com