Detente with France as diplomat returns
FRANCE will return its ambassador to Australia, ending a weeks-long diplomatic protest over Canberra’s decision to scrap a submarine contract.
Paris recalled its envoy on September 17, enraged at Australia’s decision to tear up a landmark defence contract in favour of a US offer.
Foreign Minister JeanYves Le Drian told parliament the ambassador would now return to Canberra with “two objectives”.
He said envoy Jean-pierre Thebault would “define our relationship with Australia in the future” and “firmly defend
our interests” as the two sides negotiate a settlement.
Since the contracts for the 12 submarines had already been signed, the severance may cost Australia hundreds of millions of dollars.
The ambassador’s planned return was welcomed by Australia on Thursday.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he hoped the allies could now “move beyond our recent disappointments”.
“Obviously the two countries, France and Australia, share a number of common interests, particularly in our work together in the region. So, let’s hope we can get that relationship back on track,” he told Channel 9 television.
He would not comment, however, on whether Prime Minister Scott Morrison had spoken with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. “These are developments that I won’t add further comment to other than saying I think it is welcomed,” he said. “There is always lots of communication between countries at different levels.”
Mr Frydenberg said the two countries had had a “strong relationship” over many years. “Of course they were disappointed in the way this contract has come to an end, but it is what it is and of course Australia is advancing its national interest by getting alongside the United Kingdom, the United States, getting access to the best technology to protect our national security,” he said.
Paris recalled its envoys to both Australia and the US over the furore. But Mr Macron later ordered the ambassador to Washington to return to his post after a call with US President Joe Biden.
France, however, made clear it was not in a rush to mend fences with Australia. Its anger stemmed not only from the financial loss but also the shattering of an alliance with Australia that it saw as a cornerstone of its Indo-pacific security strategy.