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UK signs new security pact with Australia, fueling France's disappointment
The Investing reported according to Reuters, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that Australia is a natural partner for a new security partnership with the United States and Britain which will see the two countries help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Johnson said in a televised address alongside his U.S. and Australian counterparts: "It is a momentous decision for any nation to acquire this formidable capability, and perhaps equally momentous for any other state to come to its aid."
Johnson added: "But Australia is one of our oldest friends, a kindred nation and a fellow democracy, and a natural partner in this great enterprise."
In a related context, Paris showed disappointment at the loss of the contract.
But Britain's defence minister stressed that a new submarine pact with the United States and Australia did not represent a strategic difference between Britain and France.
It should be noted that the new partnership ends Australia's 2016 deal with French shipbuilder Naval Group to build it a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion.
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Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the BBC he had spoken to his French counterpart and said: "This is not about a strategic difference between Britain and France." "I understand France's disappointment on its industrial contract."
Source: investing
