China News Service, Washington, September 22 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) French President Macron had a phone conversation with US President Biden on the 22nd to discuss the impact of the recent announcement of the establishment of a new trilateral security partnership between the United States, Britain and Australia.
The White House said in a bilateral joint statement issued on the same day that the leaders of the United States and France have decided to conduct in-depth consultations to ensure trust and create conditions for the realization of the common goals of both sides.
The two sides will meet in Europe at the end of October to reach a mutual understanding.
The leaders of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia announced on the 15th that the three countries have established a US-UK-Australia trilateral security partnership called "AUKUS".
The first task under this framework is to help Australia develop nuclear-powered submarines.
The United States and Australia reached a nuclear-powered submarine contract without notifying the French side in advance, which caused Australia to cancel the conventionally-powered submarine contract originally signed with France.
The French government expressed strong dissatisfaction with this and recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia.
The White House statement stated that after the call between the two parties, Macron decided to let the French ambassador to the United States return to Washington next week, who will start intensive work with high-level US officials.
After the phone call, Biden and Macron agreed that open consultations on the strategic interests of France and European allies will benefit the current situation.
The U.S. expressed its continuous commitment to relevant work.
Biden also reiterated the importance of France and Europe's participation in related regional strategies during the call.
The United States also recognizes that a stronger and more capable European defense will make positive contributions to transatlantic and global security and complement NATO.
The two sides also discussed issues related to jointly combating terrorism.
(over)