EU foreign minister: Australia’s decision on submarines is ‘rational’
Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called Australia’s decision on the submarine sale “rational.”
During a conference in Madrid, he also stated that Australia “has opted to develop military connections with those who can provide the highest degree of safety for it,” referring to the US.
Except for France, which has interests in both regions, the submarine crisis erupted in mid-September, when US President Joe Biden announced the formation of a new strategic alliance in the Indo-Pacific region with Australia and the United Kingdom, in the context of confronting China, which is a top priority.
With the formation of this “Ocos” partnership, Australia canceled a large contract to buy French submarines worth more than $ 60 billion and replaced it with a contract to buy American submarines with nuclear propulsion, angering Paris and causing a rare crisis, which was represented in the first instance by summoning the French ambassadors in Canberra. Both nations feature French remarks with a high-sounding French tone.
Despite the “productive and substantive” talks, US President Joe Biden promised to take steps to restore confidence, and his foreign minister flew to Paris last week in an attempt to “restore confidence,” but received a “lukewarm” reception, while French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed on Wednesday that the crisis with Washington was “unresolved.”
“Despite conducting substantial conversations with top US officials, the disagreement with Washington is still severe and has not yet been addressed,” he added, according to Reuters, during a meeting with his US counterpart, Anthony Blinken.
He went on to say, “The problem is grave, and it is unlikely to be addressed even if talks with Washington are restarted. Actions, not words, are required “The two parties were hoping to achieve an agreement by the end of October, according to the statement.
Anthony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, claimed that his discussions with French authorities to repair relations following the so-called “submarine crisis” were “good and constructive.”
