"The Europeans should suspend the construction of Nord Stream 2, and the Americans should suspend the sanctions," Burns told Handelsblatt.

He believes that this would give Germany and the new American authorities time to discuss the project and resolve the conflict.

According to him, the United States administration would have the opportunity to "confidentially and judiciously" talk with partners.

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that Berlin is interested in discussing the SP-2 project with Washington.