In his first phone call with Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese, French President Emmanuel Macron reminded the newly-elected leader of Australia’s “deep breach of trust” last September, when Australia abandoned a $90 billion submarine contract with France for the AUKUS partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom (UK). However, he agreed to rebuild strained ties with Canberra based on “trust and respect.”
According to a press release by the Élysée Palace, Macron congratulated Albanese on his election victory and recalled the historical ties between both nations during a 20-minute phone call. The pair also spoke about jointly responding to global challenges such as climate change, Indo-Pacific security, and the food crisis generated by the Ukraine war.
In this regard, France said it would soon release a roadmap to outline the progression of bilateral ties over the next few years, which it said would seek to “strengthen our resilience and contribute to regional peace and security.”
PM Anthony Albanese says French President Emmanuel Macron reached out shortly after his election victory. Mr Albanese says he won't be "leaking" the details of that conversation.
— Henry Belot (@Henry_Belot) May 25, 2022
One of the key features of this roadmap is expected to be the FARM (Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission) initiative to tackle global food insecurity.
In an interview with Sky News Australia, Albanese said he would develop a “strong relationship” with Macron, adding, “The way that you develop with leaders when you have exchanges is not to leak the information and the details.”
While Albanese described the discussion “warm and constructive,” Macron’s comments indicated enduring tensions between the two administrations over AUKUS.
A warm and constructive conversation tonight with 🇫🇷 President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed our commitment to a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific, cooperating on climate and energy, and support for Ukraine. I look forward to working together on our shared priorities.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 26, 2022
AUKUS was announced in September 2021 by Australia, the United States (US), and the United Kingdom to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement allows Australia to build a fleet of nuclear submarines using nuclear technology shared by its partners. The alliance also provides information on artificial intelligence, quantum and unidentified undersea capabilities, and cyber technology.
However, in order to sign the agreement, Australia scrapped its existing multi-billion dollar deal with France.
Following the AUKUS announcement, Macron accused then-PM Scott Morrison of lying and insisted France was “betrayed,” and “deceived.” France called the deal “a stab in the back” and accused the US of blindsiding Europe and Australia of not revealing its true intentions.
Macron further slammed Australia for informing Paris of the alliance just hours before the public announcement and leaking a private text message Macron had sent after the submarine contract was cancelled.
PM Albanese has spoken with President Macron, describing it as a "warm and constructive" chat. It comes after the French ambassador told @GuardianAus yesterday he had high hopes for a "a substantial, very positive, constructive reconnection [and] relaunch" https://t.co/eKcgqpnAgi https://t.co/jiuIhf471C
— Daniel Hurst (@danielhurstbne) May 26, 2022
Then-Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian also took aim at Morrison, saying he managed the issue with “such brutality and cynicism” and “unequivocal incompetence.”
Against this tense backdrop, France briefly recalled its ambassadors to Australia and the US to retaliate against the AUKUS partnership. After much persuasion, France agreed to send its ambassadors back to Canberra and Washington DC.
To repair bilateral ties, US President Biden acknowledged the poor handling of the partnership and apologised to Macron.
On the contrary, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was unapologetic about his handling of the situation and defended the AUKUS partnership as necessary to protect national interests.
Morrison claimed to have “broad shoulders” but refused to “cop sledging” Australia’s integrity. He also reaffirmed that Macron was aware of the problems with their pre-existing submarine deal before the AUKUS partnership was announced.
Albanese could meet with Macron and other European leaders next month, as Australia has been invited to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit in Madrid.