Arsen Avakov, Wess Mitchell discuss opposition to Nord Stream 2 construction

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov during the meetings at the U.S. Department of State discussed with the American side the joint efforts to counter the construction of Russian gas pipeline Nord Stream 2.

The minister said this on Tuesday, being on a visit to Washington D.C., an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"During the visit, I’ve had meetings in the U.S. Department of State," Avakov said.

He specified that, in particular, he met with Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell.

"I thanked the American side for its firm stance on Nord Stream 2, on this ‘alternative’ gas pipeline, which [Russia] uses now to try to strangle Ukraine," the Ukrainian official said.

As noted, the parties discussed "how in cooperation with American partners to prevent the construction of the gas pipeline."

Avakov noted that President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had given him "certain instructions" in the context of talks on the gas pipeline.

"I informed the American side, and I am very pleased with the stance on this issue," the minister said. He explained that he discussed the Nord Stream 2 issue with the American side as a political figure representing the coalition.

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