Avakov meets with French ambassador to discuss prospects for further cooperation

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins to discuss prospects for further cooperation, the Interior Ministry’s press service has reported.

"Arsen Avakov held a working meeting with Etienne de Poncins. The parties discussed the state of implementation of the investment project on enhancing maritime and border security, namely the construction of 20 modern patrol ships by the French company OSEA," the statement reads.

Avakov recalled that on March 4, the Verkhovna Rada ratified the agreement between the Governments of Ukraine and France on strengthening the system of maritime security and border protection.

"In three years, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine will receive 20 modern patrol ships from the French company OSEA,” the minister said.

The parties also discussed a project for the supply of drinking water to the city of Mariupol.

The ambassador also congratulated the interior minister on his appointment to the new Cabinet of Ministers.

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