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France send ambassador back to Australia to ‘define relationship’ and ‘defend interests’

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Sarah IsonThe West Australian
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France's Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault arrives at Sydney Airport, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.
Camera IconFrance's Ambassador to Australia Jean-Pierre Thebault arrives at Sydney Airport, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. Credit: David Gray/AP

France’s ambassador to Australia will return to Canberra after leaving a month ago in retaliation to the Morrison Government’s move to terminate a $90 billion submarine deal.

French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian revealed in parliament yesterday he had “now asked our ambassador to return to Canberra”.

He said the “two objectives” of sending the ambassador back were “helping to define our relationship with Australia in the future”

and to “firmly defend our interests in the implementation of Australia’s decision to terminate the submarine program”.

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The French Government slammed Australia’s move to ditch the submarine project in favour of a deal for nuclear submarines with the US and the UK.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Camera IconFrench Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. Credit: Jens Schlueter/AP

The ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thebault, accused the Morrison Government of mistreating France and not giving his country enough notice of the decision.

“Maybe we’re not friends,” he said on ABC at the time of his departure.

Scott Morrison revealed earlier this week he had still not been able to speak to the French President to begin repairing the relationship,

However, he said Australia would be “patient” with France after their “disappointment” over the termination of the submarine deal.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed earlier this week he had still not been able to speak to the French President to begin repairing the relationship.
Camera IconAustralian Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed earlier this week he had still not been able to speak to the French President to begin repairing the relationship. Credit: LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg today welcomed the news the French ambassador would be returning.

“We welcome back the French ambassador to Canberra and hopefully we can move beyond our recent disappointments,” he said on the Today show.

“Obviously the two countries… share a number of common interests in particularly in our work together in the region. So, that's how we can get that relationship back on track.“

He said both countries “had an interest in maintaining a strong relationship”, but noted the ambassador would be pursuing other “commercial deals” following the cancellation of the submarine project.

Independent Senator and veteran Jacqui Lambie said the return of the ambassador was “a start in mending the relationship”.

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