France has recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia for consultations, a few hours after the French government expressed disagreement over the new ‘Aukus’ alliance, a trilateral defense partnership between Australia, UK, and the US.
“This exceptional decision is justified by the exceptional gravity of the announcements made on 15th September by Australia and the United States,” Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement on Friday.
“The cancellation of the Attack class submarine program binding Australia and France since 2016, and the announcement of a new partnership with the United States meant to launch studies on a possible future cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines, constitute unacceptable behavior between allies and partners, whose consequences directly affect the vision we have of our alliances, of our partnerships and of the importance of the Indo-Pacific for Europe,” Le Drian added in the statement.
The new trilateral security partnership called “AUKUS” was announced in a virtual meeting last week between US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Also Read : | “AUKUS”: US, Australia and UK announce Trilateral security partnership
French minister lashed out at US President Joe Biden and compared him to his predecessor, Donald Trump. “This brutal, unilateral, and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr. Trump used to do,” Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Franceinfo radio. “I am angry and bitter. This isn’t done between allies.”
A White House official said on Friday that the US regrets France’s decision and will continue to be engaged in the coming days to resolve differences between the two countries.
“We have been in close contact with our French allies. We understand their position, and we are aware of their plans to recall Ambassador Etienne to Paris for consultations. France is a vital partner & our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship, “Ned Price, State Department’s spokesman said in a statement on Twitter.
Australia said on Saturday it also regrets France’s decision, adding that it values its relationship with France and will keep engaging with Paris on many other issues.
“We note with regret France’s decision to recall its Ambassador to Australia,” a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“Australia values its relationship with France … We look forward to engaging with France again on our many issues of shared interest, based on shared values.”
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