United States President, Joe Biden and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron have agreed to meet in person next month in Europe in order to resolve the tensions over an Australian submarine deal.
Gatekeepers News reports that French Government is angry because Australia suddenly ended a 2016 contract worth at least $66bn (£48bn), a deal which was meant for the development of 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines. Australia then sealed a deal with the US and UK for eight nuclear-powered submarines.
The two leaders resolved to meet after they spoke on phone on Wednesday.
“The two leaders agreed that the situation would have benefited from open consultations among allies on matters of strategic interest to France and our European partners,” the White House statement said.
“President Biden conveyed his ongoing commitment in that regard,” it said.
The duo will meet at the end of October, with both scheduled to attend the Group of 20 summit in Rome at that time.
“The two leaders have decided to open a process of in-depth consultations, aimed at creating the conditions for ensuring confidence and proposing concrete measures toward common objectives,” the White House said. The statement however did not give further details.
Gatekeepers News reports that Macron recalled France’s ambassador to Washington, Philippe Etienne, back to Paris after the Australian submarine deal was announced.
Although, White House said Macron has decided that Etienne would return next week and “then start intensive work with senior U.S. officials.”
The White House statement added that “President Biden reaffirms the strategic importance of French and European engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“The United States also recognizes the importance of a stronger and more capable European defense, that contributes positively to transatlantic and global security and is complementary to NATO.”
