Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared “a new chapter” in Australia’s relationship with France when he was received in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron.
Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon were warmly welcomed at the Elysee Palace by Macron and his wife Brigitte on Friday.
Albanese said Macron’s invitation represented “a new chapter” in the relationship between countries, which was severely affected during Morrison’s rule.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon are received by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (The Sydney Morning Herald) Emmanuel Macron’s wife, Brigitte, and Anthony Albanese’s partner, Jodie Haydon, share a moment of humor as the Australian duo is welcomed at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. (Alex Ellinghausen)
“Australia’s relationship with France is important. Trust, respect and honesty are important,” he said.
“That’s how I’m going to approach my relationships.”
When asked if Albanese should apologize for the submarine agreement canceled under the last government, Macron told reporters, “We are talking about the future, not the past. He is not responsible (for) that it happened”.
Macron said he hoped to work with Albanese.
“All of this marks our willingness to rebuild a relationship based on trust between our two countries, based on mutual respect … but also a relationship based on a strategic and historical partnership,” he said.
“Let me remind you here, because no one in France has forgotten the struggle led by tens of thousands of young Australians who came to fight with us in the trenches … almost a century ago … we will never forget the brotherhood that was born in this common battle.
“This story now continues with the return of the war to the European continent.”
Anthony Albanese and Emmanuel Macron shake hands when they arrive at the Elysee Palace in Paris. (Alex Ellinghausen)
Albanese also said Australia’s relationship with France was important as a global collaboration to address climate change.
“I am leading a new Australian government that has a mandate for strong action on climate change. My government wants to be an active part of the global solution and understands that while this represents a challenge, it is also an opportunity for economic transformation, as protection of the environment.
“France will be a crucial partner in achieving Australia ‘s new ambitions.
“Australia and France hope to expand other areas of exchange and are opening a new chapter in our relationship.
“Today I am proud to side with President Macron to pledge to deepen our collaboration in defense and security, resilience and climate, and education and culture.”
Earlier, Albanese had said he was on a mission to rebuild Australia’s relationship with France for “what it should be.”
It is the first time the two leaders have held talks at this level since the submarine agreement between Australia and France under the Morrison government.
Albanese and Macron spoke privately in Madrid this week on the sidelines of the NATO special summit.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is received by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Friday 1 July 2022. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen (The Sydney Morning Herald)
Prior to the meeting in France, Albanese would not have dared to apologize for breaking the submarine deal, but said it was about the future.
The prime minister announced a $ 830 million compensation deal with the Naval Group in June, to try to restore relations.
“What I want to do, though, is make sure we can look ahead,” he told reporters.
“Look forward to a way that builds the relationship with what it should be.
“It has to be a relationship where we can trust each other like we’ve done for a long period of time and where we can trust each other.”
The nation’s relationship with France is key. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is received by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Friday, July 1, 2022. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen (The Sydney Morning Herald)
France is the current president of the European Union, which means Australia needs the country’s support to reach a free trade agreement with the EU early next year.