SYDNEY/Reuters – The French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Scott Morrison was lying about cancelling a submarine building contract with Australia in September. It also suggested more should be done to rebuild trust among the allies.

Macron and Morrison met in Rome to attend the G20 Summit. This was their first meeting since Australia pulled out of the multi-billion dollar submarine deal it had with France in the new security alliance announced by the United States in September.

Paris was caught off guard by the new security alliance AUKUS, which would allow Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines. The French ambassadors were recalled from Washington, Canberra, amid allegations that France had betrayed them.

I have great respect for your country. Your people have my respect. Macron said that respect is when you are honest and follow this value. He spoke to an audience of Australian journalists who had traveled to the G20.

Macron was asked by a reporter if he believed Morrison had lied. He replied, “I don’t think so, but I do know.”

Morrison later spoke at a Rome media conference, saying he hadn’t lied. He also said that Macron had already been told by him that traditional submarines wouldn’t meet Australia’s requirements. Morrison said that the work of fixing the relationship has begun.

Joe Biden stated Friday that he thought France was aware of the cancelation of the AUKUS contract prior to its announcement. The President also claimed that handling the security agreement’s new terms had been difficult.