LOC21:42
18:42 GMT
WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (KUNA) -- The presidents of the US and France will hold "in-depth consultations" next month aimed at ensuring confidence, with the French ambassador returning to Washington in the wake of Paris losing out to a multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Australia to Washington and London.
This came as Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron discussed the matter over the phone at the request of the US president, who conveyed his "ongoing commitment" to France and the European Union.
"The two leaders agreed that the situation would have benefitted from open consultations among allies on matters of strategic interest to France and our European partners," read a joint statement.
Both are expected to meet in Europe at the end of October to further discuss the matter, while the French Ambassador will return next week to Washington, where he will start "intensive work" with senior US officials, the statement mentioned. (end)
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