“I completely understand the disappointment. There is no doubt that these issues are very difficult to deal with,” said Australian Foreign Minister Maris Payne in Washington.
“But we will continue to work constructively and closely with our French partners,” said Payne at the American Enterprise Institute.
Payne indicated that Australia recognizes France’s role in the Pacific, including joint efforts with New Zealand in humanitarian assistance.
He said he looked forward to working with France “to ensure that they understand the value we place on the role we play and that they understand the value that we place on bilateral relations.” And the work we want to continue together.”
Australia canceled a billion-dollar deal to acquire French conventional submarines after forming a new alliance with the United Kingdom and the United States, through which it would acquire American nuclear-powered submarines.
France was furious, accusing Australia of “stabbing it in the back” and saying it would no longer rely on trade talks with the country. He also accused the United States of unfair treatment for a close ally.
