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Foreign Minister Marise Payne said she had a “constructive” face-to-face meeting with French Ambassador to Australia, Jean-Pierre Thebault, on Monday.

In her first interview since the sparring between world leaders escalated in Rome this afternoon, Ms Payne said on Sydney radio station 2GB that she understood that the abolition of the $ 90 billion submarine deal was “deeply disappointing for France” has been.

“As the Prime Minister said, this is not true of the comments that have been made about lies, and particularly of the Prime Minister,” she said.

“I do not go into my talks with diplomatic representatives or with my counterparts.”

Secretary of State Marise Payne. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

When asked if she was disappointed with today’s statements by the ambassador that Australia’s actions were tantamount to a “stab in the back”, she said it was “a language that has been used in this context in the past”.

“But what is important for Australia, we will never compromise on decisions that we have to make in Australia’s interests,” said Payne.

Regarding her reaction to French President Emmanuel Macron’s allegation that Prime Minister Scott Morrison was a liar, Ms. Payne said Mr. Morrison was “quick” to sort this out and clarify Australia’s position.

“The prime minister set the timing and discussions that would take place,” she said.

“I think what both countries have to do now, and the ambassador also pointed out today, is to work together in the Indo-Pacific.

“I understand and know that there are still discussions between Australia and France, but this is the region of the world [with] the most dynamic strategic challenges. “

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Ms. Payne was also asked about former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s comments that Prime Minister Scott Morrison “always had a reputation for telling lies”.

“Comments like these are for others, but they’re not ones that I agree with or support,” she replied.

Ms. Payne also stressed the importance of the AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, which goes beyond nuclear-powered submarines and encompasses shared capabilities “that equip us and prepare us for the very, very important strategic and security challenges will”. possibly the coming decades and decades “.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-cop26-glasgow-summit-continues-covid-19-cases-grow-as-nation-nears-80-per-cent-double-dose-vaccination-rate-20211102-p595d4.html