US Vice President Harris meets Macron in hopes of reconciliation after the submarine dispute | Abroad

In September, a fierce confrontation erupted between France and the United States when Australia withdrew from a multi-billion euro submarine deal with French defense firm Naval in support of a deal with the United States. The agreement, known as AUKUS, is part of a new strategic alliance between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. The alliance was negotiated in secret for a long time, which further deceived the French government.

In early October, US Secretary of State Anthony Blingen made the first attempt to resolve the crisis. That same month, President Joe Biden also sought to make amendments. During a meeting with Macron in Rome, he told the French president that the way his government negotiated a submarine deal with Australia was “distorted” and “indecent.” After that conversation, Macron noted that “this is the beginning of the process of trust.”

Harris and Macron are also expected to discuss US support for France’s military mission against jihadists in Sahel and France’s plans to enhance European defense capabilities.