France and Australia had remained cold since the submarine affair in September 2021. It had triggered an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between countries that are usually allies.
But Emmanuel Macron is taking a first step towards reconciliation: the French head of state will receive his counterpart, Anthony Albanese, on Friday.
This meeting aims to revive relations between the two nations after Canberra broke a mega contract for the delivery of French submarines, reports the Élysée on Wednesday.
"I expect a lot from my visit to Paris," said the new Australian Prime Minister, who spoke with the French president on Tuesday evening on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Madrid.
Read alsoSubmarine crisis: "I know" that the Australian Prime Minister lied to me, says Emmanuel Macron
In power since May, the Labor leader, who will be welcomed at 1:15 p.m. Friday at the Élysée, recently said that it was “important that this reset (of relations) takes place” with France, which is both “in center of power in Europe" and "a key power in the Pacific".
This visit aims to "help relaunch the strategic partnership on new bases," said the Elysee.
A two billion euro failure for Australian taxpayers
Relations between the two countries were strongly affected by the surprise cancellation of the "contract of the century" for France, relating to twelve of its submarines.
It was September 2021, when Scott Morrison was still in power.
The former Australian Prime Minister had then concluded another agreement on the sly with the United States and the United Kingdom.
As part of this so-called AUKUS partnership, Australia has chosen to favor nuclear-powered ships.
Emmanuel Macron had accused the Australian Prime Minister of the time of deception.
Australia unveiled a €555 million compensation deal with French submarine maker Naval Group in mid-June for canceled submarines.
In total, the failure of the French submarine contract will have cost 2.3 billion dollars (2.18 billion euros) to Australian taxpayers.