China News Agency, Paris, October 5 (Reporter Li Yang) French President Macron met with visiting US Secretary of State Brinken in Paris on the 5th local time to discuss the relationship between France and the United States.

  It is reported that the meeting between Macron and Brinken was held behind closed doors and lasted about 40 minutes.

The meeting was not arranged in advance in Macron's official schedule.

Details of the meeting have not yet been announced.

French officials confirmed Macron's meeting with Brinken, saying that Brinken's visit would "help restore confidence."

  This is the first time Brinken has visited France after the French-US dispute triggered by the submarine contract last month to repair the relationship between the two countries, which has attracted the attention of the outside world.

The US State Department said that the United States and France now have the opportunity to deepen coordination, but there is still a lot of "hard work" to be done.

Brinken previously stated that he would have the opportunity to restore France's trust in the United States through this visit.

  Australia decided in 2016 that the French military ship manufacturer "Navy Group" would build its submarine fleet to replace its long-serving submarines. However, as Australia reached a nuclear submarine cooperation agreement with the United States and Britain, Australia no longer needs French-built conventional submarines. , Australia cancelled its submarine contract with France last month.

  As a result, France once recalled its ambassador to the United States.

French Foreign Minister Le Drian previously stated that Australia canceled its submarine contract with France and instead cooperated with the United States and Britain, causing a "serious crisis."

Macron had a phone conversation with Biden at the end of last month to discuss France-US relations.

After the call, Macron decided to return the French ambassador to the United States.

  Brinken also held talks with Le Drian on the 5th.

He will also attend the ministerial meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris with Kerry, the special envoy of the US President on climate issues, to discuss climate change and other issues.

(over)