UK signs new security pact with Australia, fueling France's disappointment

UK signs new security pact with Australia, fueling France's disappointment
September 16, 2021, 6:58 am

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The Investing reported according to Reuters, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that Australia is a natural partner for a new security partnership with the United States and Britain which will see the two countries help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Johnson said in a televised address alongside his U.S. and Australian counterparts: "It is a momentous decision for any nation to acquire this formidable capability, and perhaps equally momentous for any other state to come to its aid."

Johnson added: "But Australia is one of our oldest friends, a kindred nation and a fellow democracy, and a natural partner in this great enterprise."

In a related context, Paris showed disappointment at the loss of the contract.

But Britain's defence minister stressed that a new submarine pact with the United States and Australia did not represent a strategic difference between Britain and France.

It should be noted that the new partnership ends Australia's 2016 deal with French shipbuilder Naval Group to build it a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the BBC he had spoken to his French counterpart and said: "This is not about a strategic difference between Britain and France." "I understand France's disappointment on its industrial contract."

Source: investing

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