French Ambassador To Return To Australia After Submarine Row
NDTV
Submarine Deal: France recalled its envoy on September 17, enraged at Australia's decision to tear up a landmark submarine defence contract.
France announced Wednesday it will return its ambassador to Australia, ending a weeks-long diplomatic protest over Canberra's decision to scrap a submarine contract.
Paris recalled its envoy on September 17, enraged at Australia's decision to tear up a landmark defence contract worth about US$65 billion in favour of a US offer.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told parliament the ambassador would now return to Canberra with "two objectives".
He said envoy Jean-Pierre Thebault would "define our relationship with Australia in the future" and "firmly defend our interests" as the two sides negotiate a settlement.