Washington Tries to Soothe Paris' Feelings
Washington is dealing with the consequences - supposedly.
While AUKUS caused a crater in the US relations with France, Washington took the initiative to visit Paris next week, on Monday, to mend its hurt feelings.
On Friday, the US State Department announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be visiting Paris next week in order to mitigate the relationship between the two countries, especially after France was completely disregarded from the tripartite multi-billion dollar AUKUS deal, through which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The State Department said Blinken’s talks will be aimed at “further strengthening the vital U.S.-France relationship on a range of issues including security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
It's not that easy - and both sides understand this. Since September 15, the United States has thrown attempts at mending the ruptured relations between Washington and the European Union. They realize that it will take time and "hard work," considering that France is the US' oldest ally - an ally they have betrayed.
However, the US will also be attending a conference for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on Tuesday and Wednesday about climate change and security in Paris. The State Department added that they will be discussing “the climate crisis, economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transatlantic relationship." They also mentioned that they will be working with their "allies and partners to address global challenges and opportunities."
The announcement of the meeting came after National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, met with the French Ambassador to the US, Philippe Etienne, in the White House after his return to Washington D.C.