The Australian-French relationship could be settled, and the conflict between the two countries could be mitigated over a year from the termination of the defense treaty. New Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Paris to ease the waves from his predecessor Scott Morrison BBC.
Australia terminated a €35 billion contract with France’s Naval Group in 2021, Under which 12 French-designed diesel submarines were purchased to offset China’s growing influence in the South China Sea.
Morrison then entered into a new triangular partnership for science, technology and security (AUKUS) with the United States and the United Kingdom.
As part of this, the United States will provide Canberra with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to enhance its ally’s tactical capabilities against China. In addition to the deal going down the well, Paris did not take it for granted that it was only informed of the American University in Jerusalem a few hours before its public announcement.
At the time, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Defense Minister Florence Parly asked Australia for an immediate explanation for signing a partnership agreement that goes against the spirit of cooperation between their two countries. The heads of the two ministries also criticized the United States for excluding European allies from the new agreement. He questioned French President Scott Morrison and recalled his ambassador from Canberra.
Athony Albanese, who defeated Scott Morrison in the election last month, will travel to the NATO summit in Madrid next week and take a short detour in Paris to negotiate with President Macron.
He sees France as a central power not only in Europe but also, like Australia, in the Pacific, In any case, they should maintain a constructive partnership. He was first congratulated by the French president after his election, and earlier this month he also gestured to Canberra to agree a €555 million pain fee with the French Maritime Company to compensate for the termination of the previous contract.
