This is indeed a strong signal sent to Canberra (logical after #AUKUS). But this "re-evaluation" of the π«π·π¦πΊ strategic partnership does not mean the end of the cooperation. The updated π«π· strategy actually mentions π¦πΊ as an important partner quite extensively. Few examplesπ
First, the strategy clearly states that "France will pursue bilateral cooperation with Australia on a caseβbyβcase basis, according to its national interests and those of regional partners", which could leave room to quite a substantive cooperation as noticed by @Rory_Medcalf.
On university and scientific cooperation and mobility, Australia is described as a "major partner" together with India, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia or Vietnam. The π«π·π¦πΊ science and innovation roadmap, signed April 2021, is specifically mentioned.
Same on the economic support to Pacific Island states. France commits to "cooperate more closely with other bilateral donors such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand and India". The Kiwa Initiative (π¦πΊπ«π·π¨π¦π³πΏπͺπΊ) is mentioned as an example of that cooperation.
Finally, the importance of the defense cooperation with Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. for the security of the Pacific region is stressed. Specific areas of cooperation are mentioned: fight against illegal fishing, capacity-building, natural disaster response.
[Thread] NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg just confirmed that allies agreed to deploy elements of the NATO Response Force, including the #VJTF currently led by π«π·. A 𧡠to explain what the #VJTF is:
1/ The VJTF stands for "Very High Readiness Joint Task Force". This force was created at the 2014 Wales Summit amid the Crimea crisis. The goal was to increase the size and readiness of the existing NATO Response Force with the creation of a rapidly deployable "spearhead force".
2/ The VJTF includes a multinational land brigade of around 5,000 troops and air, marine and special forces components.
Leading elements of the VJTF are ready to be deployed within 2 or 3 days. The readiness of the VJTF is regularly tested through exercises.
𧡠The President of the French National Assembly just delivered a message on behalf of President Macron on the war in #Ukraine. A thread on this rare statement (last time a π«π· President used this procedure was in 2002):
"In view of the developments in Ukraine, I wanted to address the Parliament today. You will understand that my first thought in these tragic hours is for the Ukrainian people and authorities."
"I salute their courage in resisting Russia's massive military offensives and their determination to defend their sovereignty and freedom."
Foreign minister @JY_LeDrian this morning on the French public radio. A π§΅:
"The war is total, President Putin has chosen a massive offensive, he has chosen to remove Ukraine from the map of states."
"The Donbass question was only a pretext, what Putin wanted was the submission of Ukraine. This is a tipping point in European history."
"Yesterday I talked to my Ukrainian counterpart. He told me what were the Ukrainian demands: humanitarian aid, financial support, delivery of equipment, adoption of sanctions. On all these points, we are acting. We are in support of the Ukrainian resistance."
Very strong words from French foreign minister @JY_LeDrian tonight on French national television:
"President Putin is disavowing Russia's signature because his actions are in breach of π·πΊ commitments under the Paris Charter or the Minsk agreements. He is a cynic and a dictator."
In response to the threats made by the Russian President to NATO, the French Minister replied that "Vladimir Putin must also understand that the Atlantic Alliance is a nuclear alliance."
"Since the beginning of this crisis, what strikes me is the strengthening of the unity among Europeans and among Allies. While Vladimir Putin is fighting NATO, he has never succeeded so much in unifying the transatlantic relationship."
Joint declaration of the leaders of the #G7:
"We are appalled by and condemn the large-scale military aggression by the Russian Federation against the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, directed partly from Belarusian soil." bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelβ¦
"We as the G7 are bringing forward severe and coordinated economic and financial sanctions. We call on all partners and members of the international community to condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms, to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine."
"This crisis is a serious threat to the rules-based international order, with ramifications well beyond Europe. This has fundamentally changed the Euro-Atlantic security situation. President Putin has re-introduced war to the European continent."