The reminder of the French ambassador on the regrettable submarines
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:34 am
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – Australia said on Saturday it regretted to note France’s recall of its ambassador following the surprise cancellation of a submarine contract in favor of a US deal.
France recalled its ambassadors to Australia and the United States on Friday in an unprecedented display of anger over an agreement between the United States, Australia and Britain to provide Australia with a fleet of at least eight sub- nuclear sailors.
The agreement cancels a 90 billion Australian dollars (66 billion dollars) contract with Naval Group, majority owned by the French state, signed in 2016, for the construction of 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines.
The office of Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement: “We note job function email database with regret the decision of France to recall its ambassador to Australia for consultations following the decision on the Attack Class project.”
“Australia understands France’s deep disappointment at our decision, which was taken in accordance with our clear and communicated national security interests,” the statement said. He added that Australia values its relationship with France and looks forward to future engagements together.
Payne and Defense Secretary Peter Dutton are currently in the United States for annual talks with their American counterparts and their first with President Joe Biden’s administration.
French Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault said Australia had never mentioned the project could be scrapped.
France recalled its ambassadors to Australia and the United States on Friday in an unprecedented display of anger over an agreement between the United States, Australia and Britain to provide Australia with a fleet of at least eight sub- nuclear sailors.
The agreement cancels a 90 billion Australian dollars (66 billion dollars) contract with Naval Group, majority owned by the French state, signed in 2016, for the construction of 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines.
The office of Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement: “We note job function email database with regret the decision of France to recall its ambassador to Australia for consultations following the decision on the Attack Class project.”
“Australia understands France’s deep disappointment at our decision, which was taken in accordance with our clear and communicated national security interests,” the statement said. He added that Australia values its relationship with France and looks forward to future engagements together.
Payne and Defense Secretary Peter Dutton are currently in the United States for annual talks with their American counterparts and their first with President Joe Biden’s administration.
French Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault said Australia had never mentioned the project could be scrapped.