Morrison and Macron speak for first time since AUKUS fallout

After ignoring Scott Morrison’s pleas for weeks, French President Emmanuel Macron has finally taken the PM’s call. This is what he said.

Scott Morrison and Emmanuel Macron have spoken for the first time since Australia abandoned a major submarine deal with the French last montake th.

In a readout of the call provided by the Élysée Palace, Mr Macron told Mr Morrison the decision to scrap the French contract in favour of the acquisition of nuclear submarines under the AUKUS alliance with America and the UK “broke” trust between the two nations.

“President Macron recalled that Australia’s unilateral decision to scale back the French-Australian strategic partnership by putting an end to the ocean-class submarine program in favour of another as-yet unspecified project broke the relationship of trust between our two countries,” the statement said.

Relations between France and Australia have been in the diplomatic deep freeze since the AUKUS pact was signed. Picture: Adam Taylor/PMO

“The situation of the French businesses and their subcontractors, including Australian companies, affected by this decision will be given our utmost attention.

“It is now up to the Australian Government to propose tangible actions that embody the political will of Australia’s highest authorities to redefine the basis of our bilateral relationship and continue joint action in the Indo-Pacific.”

In contrast, a spokesperson for Mr Morrison said the two world leaders had a “candid discussion” about relations between Canberra and Paris.

“The Prime Minister was pleased to be able to speak with President Macron. They had a candid discussion on the bilateral relationship,” they said.

“The Prime Minister looks forward to future collaborations on our shared interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.”

After giving Mr Morrison the cold shoulder while the two were in New York last month for the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister wrote to the French President to request a call. The letter included a handwritten note from Mr Morrison to Mr Macron.

It’s understood the call took place before the Prime Minister departed Canberra for the G20 and UN climate summit in Rome and Glasgow.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister confirmed he used the call to inform Mr Macron about the government’s recent commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

Mr Morrison was unable tho secure a meeting with macron while the pair were in the US last month. Picture: Adam Taylor/PMO

“The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to inform the President about Australia’s commitment to deliver net zero emissions by 2050.” they said.

The French readout indicated Mr Macron encouraged the Prime Minister to adopt “ambitious measures commensurate with the climate challenge”.

“In particular the ratcheting up of the nationally determined contribution, the commitment to cease production and consumption of coal at the national level and abroad, and greater Australian support to the International Solar Alliance.”

The decision to sign the landmark security deal with the US soured relations between the France and Australia, with Paris recalling its ambassador and threatening to derail a free-trade agreement three years in the making with the EU.

It’s hoped the call will be the first step to mending relations between France and Australia: Supplied

Foreign Minister Marise Payne will meet with French Ambassador Jean-Pierre Thébault next week as Australia looks to thaw the diplomatic ice.

In an estimates hearing on Thursday, Senator Payne said she regretted the “deep disappointment” the announcement caused France.

““I certainly regret the deep disappointment that France feels,” she said.

“I’m meeting (Mr Thébault) myself on Monday – that is part of the process of addressing these concerns.”

Originally published as Morrison and Macron speak for first time since AUKUS fallout