Water under the drydock: French ties more than sub spat

Australia's relationship with France is not defined by a scrapped submarine contract that caused a deep rift between the two nations, its new ambassador says.

Pierre-Andre Imbert has taken up the mantle of France's man in Australia.

His priority is to strengthen co-operation in the Indo-Pacific, especially on climate change, after a new road map for the relationship was signed when then-foreign minister Catherine Colonna visited Canberra in December.

"We are two important nations of the Indo-Pacific," the Parisian told AAP.

"We are very aware of our joint responsibility."

The 54-year-old former economist has worked as deputy chief of staff to the French president and as a chief of staff and advisor to several labour employment ministers.

His predecessor Jean-Pierre Thebault was infamously recalled to Paris in 2021 after the then-coalition government pulled the pin on a $90 billion contract for diesel submarines in favour of US nuclear-propelled ones.

Mr Imbert stressed that the bilateral relationship could not be seen purely through this lens.

"What I want to underline is we have a longstanding relationship with Australia," he said. 

"The story didn't start with submarines.

"We are focused on the future."

The relationship improved after the Albanese Labor government took office in 2022.

France's Ambassador to Australia Pierre-Andre Imbert
Mr Imbert foresees Australia-France co-operation on climate change, defence and security.

Mr Imbert said the allies could partner in key areas such as climate change, defence and security.

Working to help Pacific Islands nations that suffered the immediate impacts of climate change and intense natural disasters was also a priority, he said. 

South Pacific defence ministers are working towards a unified force to respond to natural disasters in the region.

The chiefs and heads of the defence forces have been asked to develop the initiative and the stationing of humanitarian aid stockpiles on island nations has been floated as a potential way to improve response times given scarce resources.

"We have learned from past disasters the more we can pre-position on the islands, the faster the response will be," Mr Imbert said.

He also remained hopeful Australia and the European Union could restart negotiations on a free trade agreement after talks broke down.

"We want a balanced agreement," he said.

"We have common interests, we share values, we share history - it's good for both regions to have an FTA, so we will do our best to achieve that."

The father of five handed over his credentials on January 31 after arriving in Australia just before Christmas.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store