Australia regrets France’s ambassador recall decision over nuclear submarine deal

Australia said it valued the relationship with France and would keep engaging with Paris on other issues

Australian PM Scott Morrison rejected French criticism that it had not been warned about the AUKUS security deal made with Washington and London

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French Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:47am, 18 Sep 2021Updated: 11:41am, 18 Sep 2021

Australia said on Saturday it regrets France’s decision to recall its ambassador to Canberra over the AUKUS security deal made with Washington and London, but it values its relationship with the western European nation 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 understands France’s deep disappointment with our decision, which was taken in accordance with our clear and communicated national security interests,” the statement said.

“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.”

The rare decision taken by French President Emmanuel Macron was made due to the “exceptional gravity” of the matter, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement.