Washington Hopes Raising Disagreement with Paris on AUKUS in UNGA
After France summoned its ambassadors in the US and Australia for consultation, the US Department of State says "we understand their position."
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Horne says Washington understands France's decision to recall its Ambassador
US National Security Council (NSC) Spokesperson Emily Horne said the US understands France's decision to recall its Ambassador from Washington for consultations in protest of the signing of the AUKUS pact.
France recalled both its ambassadors to Australia and the US for "consultations" on Friday, in an unprecedented move towards two historical allies, in the aftermath of Australia's cancellation of a major deal with France to purchase submarines in order to make a new deal with Washington for the same purpose.
Once partners, always partners
"We have been in close touch with our French partners on their decision to recall Ambassador [Philippe] Etienne to Paris for consultations. We understand their position and will continue to be engaged in the coming days to resolve our differences, as we have done at other points over the course of our long alliance," Horne's statement said.
Horne also stressed that the US views France as "our oldest ally and one of our strongest partners," adding that both countries have a long history of shared values and are both committed to working together to "address global challenges."
On his part, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Friday that his country "hopes" it can continue its discussion of the matter at the United Nations General Assembly.
[1 of 3]: We have been in close contact with our French allies. We understand their position, and we are aware of their plans to recall Ambassador Etienne to Paris for consultations. France is a vital partner & our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship. pic.twitter.com/xLci8Y8V6V
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) September 18, 2021
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves LeDrian will be in New York next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly session.
US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday a new defensive pact between Australia, the US, and the UK, to boost Australia's nuclear capabilities and "strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific region." The alliance will also see the three nations sharing their know-how on AI, cyber, and quantum technologies, in addition to underwater and long-range missile capabilities.
France regretted Australia's backing down from a deal it had made with France's Naval Group defense contractor for the purchase of attack-class submarines, in favor of nuclear submarines through a pact with the US and the UK.
Washington: We commend France's continued commitment to countering terrorism
The Department of State said the US welcomes the announcement from France "that its troops killed Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi," adding that they commend "France’s continued commitment to countering terrorism and protecting civilians in West Africa in coordination with our African partners."
The Department also affirmed the US "commitment" to "continuing to support the efforts of our African partners, France, and the international community to improve the safety and well-being of civilians in West Africa."
Australia regrets France's decision to recall its Ambassador
For its part, Australia said today that it regrets France's decision to recall its ambassador, according to a spokesperson for Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Marise Payne, who added that “Australia understands France’s deep disappointment with our decision, which was taken in accordance with our clear and communicated national security interests."
The statement reiterated Australia's commitment to its relationship with France, saying that France is a "vital contributor to stability... in the Indo-Pacific. This will not change."
