French President Emmanuel Macron says he is willing to work with new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to “rebuild” the France-Australia relationship.
Key points:
- Macron called Mr Albanese on Thursday night to congratulate him on his election victory
- They agreed to “rebuild a bilateral relationship based on trust and respect”
- Australia may have to pay more than $ 5 billion in France after withdrawing from agreement to build military submarines
The two leaders spoke on the phone Thursday night following Albanese’s election victory last Saturday.
Macron’s office said the couple agreed to “rebuild a relationship … [of] trust “after ties were broken by an abandoned submarine deal.
A statement said they would “rebuild a bilateral relationship based on trust and respect,” noting the breach of trust under the Morrison government, which stopped a deal to buy French submarines.
Macron’s office said the two sides will work together on urgent global issues, including climate change and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
“A roadmap will be prepared to structure this new bilateral agenda … to strengthen our resilience and contribute to regional peace and security,” the statement said.
Albanese took to Twitter to describe the conversation as “warm and constructive.”
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Ties between Paris and Canberra plummeted after Morrison broke a submarine deal with the French naval group last year.
He opted for US or British nuclear power alternatives as part of a historic security deal – the AUKUS trilateral alliance – with Washington and London.
The change sparked outrage in Paris, and Macron accused Morrison of lying about the future of the $ 90 billion contract.
France also remembered its ambassador to the United States, its historic ally, in an unprecedented move.
In March, defense officials revealed that the federal government could pay more than $ 5 billion to France to end the deal.
AFP / ABC
Posted 1 hour ago 1 hour Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:03 AM, updated 1 hour ago Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:23 AM