Tensions should not have an impact on cooperation in NATO: Military official
(VOVWORLD) - The dispute between France, the US and Australia over a submarine mega-contract should not have an impact on “military cooperation” within NATO, said Admiral Rob Bauer, chairman of the Alliance’s military committee, on Saturday.
 President Emmanuel Macron of France, (second from left) and Malcolm Turnbull, then prime minister of Australia (third from left) on an Australian submarine during a 2018 visit by Mr. Macron to Sydney. (Photo: Getty Images) |
He added that Australia is a partner but is not a member of NATO.
There are many agreements between countries that can have effects on NATO from a political point of view, said Rob, adding that the agreement reached between the US, Australia and the UK will not have any impact on military cooperation within NATO.
France accused Australia and the US of lying over a new security pact that saw Canberra scrap a contract to buy French submarines in favor of American vessels.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told France 2 television that a "serious crisis" was now in progress between the allies after Paris recalled its ambassadors to Canberra and Washington DC.