Finance Minister Simon Birmingham has dismissed the European Union's move to delay talks amid the fallout from Australia's decision to tear up a French submarine deal.
The way Australia handled its scrapping of French conventional vessels in favour of nuclear-powered technology under the AUKUS pact has angered European leaders.
Senator Birmingham played down the EU's move to push back negotiations for a free trade agreement with Australia by a month.
"I've seen some reports suggesting that there may be a timing change in relation to the next negotiating round, a variation of perhaps a month in that regard," the former trade minister told Sky News on Friday.
He did not think this was likely to have much impact on the final outcome.
"I know the EU has continued to express its view in the value and importance of them. Certainly Australia sees the value in and importance of them," he said.
"I trust that we will all continue to work towards trying to secure an agreement between Australia and the European Union that will be to the benefit of all counties involved."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and French President Emmanuel Macron are yet to speak about Australia's surprise decision to ditch the submarine deal signed under the Turnbull government in 2016.
Malcolm Turnbull labelled it an appalling episode in Australia's international affairs and one that would have long-term consequences.
France has not yet indicated when it will send recalled ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault back to Australia after returning ambassador Philippe Etienne to the US.
Mr Macron urged European countries not to be naive and boost their defence plans to ensure they were respected.
