Outgoing French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says Scott Morrison’s defeat in parliamentary elections “I really like it” eight months after Australia’s Conservative prime minister caused a diplomatic rift with Paris when he canceled a deal French submarines.
“I really like the defeat of the prime minister,” Le Drian reacted today, provoking the laughter of those present, at the handover ceremony of his portfolio to the new head of French diplomacy, Catherine Colonna.
“The actions that were taken, at the time they were taken, were cold and cynical and, I would dare say, they showed a clear incompetence. “I hope we can renew an honest and constructive dialogue with Australia in the future.”
Canberra angered Paris last September when it canceled a $ 50 billion deal to supply French submarines, preferring to buy US nuclear-powered submarines. France even recalled its ambassador to the United States, a decision unprecedented in the history of the two allies.
Le Drian, who is usually very cautious in his statements, had launched attacks against Australia at the time, using no diplomatic language. He spoke in support of the US Alliance, but said that maintaining some independence was not the answer.
In early April, Australia acknowledged that it would have to pay A $ 5.5 billion (€ 3.7 billion) to cancel its contract with France.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
