The deal will involve tens of billions of euros. The Australian government previously announced in September that it would sign a new AUKUS security pact with Britain and the United States to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific region. Without consultation with Paris, the deal with France was scrapped, to buy American submarines. Macron was offended and in anger temporarily summoned ambassadors from Australia and the United States back to Paris.
The unrest started under the previous Australian government, so Albania says it’s time to start over. He said he was personally invited by Macron and expected a warm welcome. According to the prime minister, the two countries should deal with each other in a “respectful and fair manner”. Earlier this month, his government announced it would pay the French shipbuilder €555 million in compensation for the canceled order.
Albania is in Europe for an expanded NATO summit next week. He is also said to have been invited by Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky to visit Kiev, but it is not yet clear if he will do so.
“Falls down a lot. General tv buff. Incurable zombie fan. Subtly charming problem solver. Amateur explorer.”
