Options Paper What does it look like for Australia to... - Enhance Coordination with

The Australia-France relationship is on a positive trajectory, In the Pacific, Australia needs to consider greater with greater coordination and cooperation in the Indo- coordination with France both bilaterally and in the Pacific a core and growing element. [...] Moreover, of convergence between Australia and France on their and its overseas territories, as well as France’s colonial France contributes to the EU’s engagement in the Indo- outlook and interests in regional and international security, eastern Pacific Ocean to the far western 11 history in the Indo-Pacific – are difficult to grasp fully Pacific and has been the most influential member state cli. [...] But with the cancellation shapes the nature and extent of underlying trust in the states and civil society partners throughout the Indo-Pacific in its view that it will engage in the world according to of the French submarine contract in September 2021, bilateral relationship. [...] and priorities with Australia’s, there are opportunities EFFECTIVE FRANCE ENGAGEMENT to work with France to leverage and influence the EU’s contributions to the region to be as productive Broadly, Australians and French are regarded as having THE ROLE OF EUROPE AND and well-coordinated with others as possible.52 a strong interpersonal and cultural affinity. [...] Given France’s significant contributions and expertise partner in the region, given concerns in some parts in the western Indian Ocean, there is an opportunity to of the Indian Ocean about New Delhi’s influence.91 The common interests and challenges of small islands work with French counterparts to multiply the impact developing states in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific is an of Australia’s relat.