Washington hopes to discuss its dispute with France over its security pact with Australia at the United Nations General Assembly next week, the State Department said Friday.
In a statement posted on Twitter, spokesman Ned Price also called France "a vital partner and our oldest ally" after Paris announced plans to recall its ambassador from Washington.
[1 of 3]: We have been in close contact with our French allies. We understand their position, and we are aware of their plans to recall Ambassador Etienne to Paris for consultations. France is a vital partner & our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship. pic.twitter.com/xLci8Y8V6V
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) September 18, 2021
Australia chose to scrap its multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Paris in favor of US nuclear subs after signing a three-way security deal with the US and Britain earlier this week with the aim of countering China's growing influence.
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