French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, at the request of President Emmanuel Macron, will recall ambassadors from Australia and the United States for consultations, Reuters reported.
“The abandonment of the ocean-class submarine project, which Australia and France have been leading since 2016, and the announcement of a new partnership with the United States with possible future cooperation in the field of naval forces with subnuclear engines, are unacceptable behavior for allies and partners, the consequences of which influence our understanding of our alliances, our partnerships and the importance of the Indo-Pacific to Europe. It’s actually a stab in the back. We have built a relationship of trust with the Australians, and it is committed”, the minister said.
Earlier it became known that the United States, Great Britain and Australia formed a new alliance on September 15 – AUKUS. Its main goal is to equip Australia with nuclear submarines, which is why the Australian authorities broke the contract with France for the supply of submarines.
Paris criticized the decision and, in response, canceled ceremonies in the United States to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of the Chesapeake.
According to the deputy director of the French Center for Intelligence Studies, Alain Rodier, the termination of the $ 66 billion contract was a real slap in the face for France. According to the expert, because of this, Paris was deprived of the largest contract that could ensure the work of the French naval industry for many years.
A spokesman for the Australian Foreign Office said he “understands France’s disappointment,” but hopes that cooperation between the countries will continue in a positive manner.