French envoy to return to Australia amid AUKUS row

Australia says the French move will help repair relations amid a spat over a cancelled submarine deal.

Australian government ministers have welcomed France’s decision to return its ambassador to Canberra, saying they hope the two nations could repair the damage caused by a cancelled submarine contract.

“We welcome back the French Ambassador to Canberra, and hopefully we can move beyond our recent disappointments,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told Nine Network TV on Thursday.

“France and Australia, share a number of common interests, particularly in our work together in the regions,” he said. “So let’s hope we can get that relationship back on track.”