French group Thales in partnership with EXPAL for Australia military

FILE PHOTO: The logo of Thales is seen on a company building in Brest, France, March 14, 2022. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

PARIS (Reuters) -French defence and technology group Thales announced on Monday a partnership with EXPAL Systems to provide material for the Australian military, as France and Australia aim to improve diplomatic relations after a dispute last year.

French President Emmanuel Macron told new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week that he wanted to focus on the future as they try to rebuild relations badly strained by a decision by Australia's former prime minister to ditch a lucrative submarine contract with France.