“I think they had every reason to know that we had deep and serious reservations about the fact that the capabilities of the Attack-class submarine were not serving our strategic interests and we made it very clear that we would make a decision based on our national strategic interest,” stated at a press conference in Sydney.
A man slaps Emmanuel Macron on a visit to southeastern France
The Australian prime minister said he understood the “disappointment” of the French government, but said it had raised issues with the deal “a few months ago”, as did other Australian government ministers.
Morrison said it would have been “negligent” to go ahead with the contract even though Australia’s intelligence and defense services had advised him that it would go against the country’s strategic interests.
“I do not regret the decision to put Australia’s national interest first. I will never regret it,” he said.
Earlier, Australian Finance Minister Simon Birmingham insisted that his country informed the French government “at the earliest possible opportunity, before it was made public.”
He told national television ABC that “it was always going to be a difficult decision” to cancel the agreement with France.
“We do not underestimate now the importance of … ensuring that we reestablish those strong ties with the French government,” he added. “Your continued engagement in this region is important.”
Speaking to Sky News Australia on Sunday, Defense Minister Peter Dutton said his government had been “frank, open and honest” with France about its concerns about the deal, which was over budget and with years of delay.
“We were never aware of the Australian intentions. Their claims are inaccurate,” replied her French counterpart, Florence Parly, during an official trip to Niger.
With information from AFP, EFE and Reuters