France’s ambassador to Australia has seemingly changed his tune, a year after he savaged Scott Morrison for ruining the two countries’ relationship.
Jean-Pierre Thébault gave a glowing review of the Albanese government on Sunday, as Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Foreign Minister Penny Wong head to France and the United Kingdom for high-level meetings.
It will be the first such meeting between France and Australia since the Morrison government dumped its $90 billion submarine deal with France for the AUKUS deal in 2021.
So angry was France that Mr Thébault was initially recalled. A few months later, President Emmanuel Macron told Australian journalists “I don’t think, I know” when asked if he believed Mr Morrison had lied to him.
In November 2021, Mr Thébault told the National Press Club that Mr Morrison had wrecked Australia’s reputation on the international stage.
“What can any partner of Australia now think is the value of Australia’s signature and commitment?” he told the National Press Club at the time.
Mr Thébault gave a glowing send off on Sunday as he wished Mr Marles and Senator Wong well on their trip.
“Proud of next FRAUmin (France-Australia ministerial) talks in Paris. On growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Ukraine solidarity, strengthening ties in defence, action on climate change, education and culture,” he wrote on Twitter.
“A strong, future oriented agenda for two allies and friends.”
Mr Marles and Senator Wong will meet with their French counterparts – Sébastien Lecornu and Catherine Colonna – this week.
The aim of the meeting will be to align French and Australian responses to the increasingly strategic Indo-Pacific.
“Deepening practical co-operation with France in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the priorities of our partners, is critical to our vision of regional stability,” Senator Wong said.