With a symbolic compensation, Australia restores relations with France, which were tested after the cancellation of an order for French submarines last year.
France and Australia “Turn the page” on their “crumpled” diplomatic relations since last September. The page “turns” thanks to the 555 million euros that Australia offers as compensation to France for the unilateral cancellation of a contract worth 40 billion euros, for the supply of 12 conventional submarines. The former Prime Minister of Australia, the conservative Scott Morrison, had finally preferred nuclear-type submarines from America and Great Britain, something that Paris saw as extremely humiliating.
However, after the change of government in Australia and the rise to power of the Labor Party, under Prime Minister Anthony Albanizi, the government of Canberra today announced its intention to restore the old level of bilateral relations. The new Australian Prime Minister speaks of an “equal law” settlement.
“Respect” for the role of France
But also from the French side, the Minister of Defense, Sebastian Lecorny, confirms: “This agreement is important, because it allows us to turn the page and look to the future.” And for the future there is concern about China’s growing influence in the Pacific, where France is also present with its acquisition of New Caledonia. In fact, Adini Albanizi stressed that his country “deeply respects the role of France and its active involvement in the Indo-Pacific.” It is noteworthy that these statements were made while the Pacific Security Forum “Singri-La” in Singapore was in progress, with the participation of 40 countries and with obvious concern about China’s growing influence in the region.
DW – Olympia Tsipira, Paris
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