EU foreign ministers have expressed solidarity with France over Australia’s rejection of a contract with Paris in favour of cooperation with the US and Britain, Agence France-Presse reports
“[EU foreign ministers] have expressed their solidarity with France. This announcement [of the termination of the contract] contradicted calls for closer cooperation with the EU in the Indo-Pacific region”, – EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said at the ministerial meeting.
Earlier, it was learnt that Australia, the US and the UK had formed a new alliance – AUKUS. Under the agreements, the Australian authorities terminated a contract with France for the supply of nuclear-powered submarines. Australia now plans to build submarines using American and British technology.
Alain Rodier, director of the French Center for Intelligence Studies, said the termination of the $66 billion contract between Australia and France was “the real slap in the face” for Paris. As News Front previously reported, France has recalled its ambassadors from the United States and Australia for consultations.