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Biden and Macron to meet in Europe after dispute over Australian sub deal

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US President Joe Biden (L) and France’s President Emmanuel Macron speak after the family photo at the start of the G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall on June 11, 2021.

AFP | AFP | Getty Images

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden spoke Wednesday with French President Emmanuel Macron as the leaders sought to smooth tensions following a messy arms deal with Australia that triggered a diplomatic row resulting in France – America’s oldest ally – recalling its ambassador to the U.S.

“The two leaders agreed that the situation would have benefitted from open consultations among allies on matters of strategic interest to France and our European partners. A joint White House/Elysee statement said that President Biden had conveyed “his ongoing commitment to this regard.”

According to the joint White House and Elysee statement, “They will meet at Europe’s end October in order for them to come up with common understandings” and “keep momentum in the process.”

Macron agreed to also send Philippe Etienne from France, the ambassador to America, to Washington next week. France had called off its ambassador in protest at an arms agreement in which the U.S., UK and Australia agreed to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

The deal effectively ended a longstanding submarine contract between Australia and France. French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called the arms deal a “stab in the back.”

“This exceptional decision is justified by the exceptional gravity of the announcements made on 15 September by Australia and the United States,” Le Drian said last week when he announced that France would recall its ambassadors to Australia and the U.S.

French officials had also canceled a gala at their sprawling embassy compound in Washington commemorating the decisive role France’s navy played in the American Revolutionary War.

The submarine deal is part of a new security partnership between the U.S., Australia and the U.K. in the Indo-Pacific region. The announcement of this partnership was made last week by Biden via virtual meeting between Boris Johnson, the U.K.’s Prime Minister and Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister.

They stated that security partnerships would help to stabilize the Indo-Pacific, as China grows its military might. Australia’s Navy will be able to assist in countering nuclear-powered Chinese vessels through the submarine deal.

On Wednesday, Biden also committed to enhancing support for counterterrorism operations within the Sahel region of Africa. This is where around 5,100 French military personnel are stationed.

In a joint statement, the White House stated that the United States recognizes the value of an enhanced and better-equipped European defense. This contributes to global and transatlantic security as well as complements NATO.

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