French diplomat says ‘time and actions’ needed to restore ties with US

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday after Australia’s cancelled submarine contract caused an international rift.

Le Drian said “time and actions” would be required to fully restore ties between France and the U.S., Reuters reported.

Le Drian’s remarks come after Australia backed out of an existing 2016 submarine contract with France last week in favor of a new trilateral security deal with the United Kingdom and the United States.

Le Drian and Blinken’s meeting follows a call on Wednesday between President Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. During that meeting, Reuters said Biden and Macron agreed to rebuild trust between their nations and to meet in Europe at the end of next month. 

Le Drian said he and Blinken discussed “the terms and main issues” that France would expect of the U.S. as the countries attempt to reconcile, according to Reuters.

The U.S. Department of State said in a release that the two leaders also discussed international cooperation with France, in the Indo-Pacific and in other parts of Europe.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said earlier this week he had “no regrets” regarding Australia’s cancellation of its agreement with France.