France recalls envoys in U.S, Australia over submarine deal - statement

A sign outside the French Embassy is seen after it was announced France decided to recall its ambassadors in the United States and Australia for consultations after Australia struck a deal with the U.S. and Britain which ended a $40 billion French-designed submarine deal, in Washington, U.S., September 17, 2021. REUTERS/Gershon Peaks

France said on Friday it had decided to recall its ambassadors in the United States and Australia for consultations after Australia struck a deal with the United States and Britain which ended a $40 billion French-designed submarine deal.

Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement that the rare decision taken by President Emmanuel Macron was made due to the seriousness of the event.

The French Embassy is seen after it was announced France decided to recall its ambassadors in the United States and Australia for consultations after Australia struck a deal with the U.S. and Britain which ended a $40 billion French-designed submarine deal, in Washington, U.S., September 17, 2021. REUTERS/Gershon Peaks

(Reporting by John Irish)

FILE PHOTO: French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian speaks during a joint news conference with Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya after their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Madrid, Spain, July 9, 2021. REUTERS/Susana Vera