Officials said Australia and France are strengthening their defense cooperation and deepening diplomatic ties in an attempt to resolve a deep conflict over a secret submarine contract that angered Paris a year ago.

In this context, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles told France on his last leg of his European tour that his country was trying to “turn the page and move forward after the breakdown.” “It is very important that our relations develop with frankness, respect and honesty,” he said in a joint statement with his French counterpart Sebastian Licornu. Although Licorno emphasized their bilateral relationship, “as with any friendship, there have been ups and downs.”

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to projects that will enhance their joint defense capabilities and protect their “common interests in a prosperous, sustainable and secure region” in the Indo-Pacific. They agreed to strengthen military cooperation, including more active joint military exercises, joint regional deployments, training activities, and improved intelligence sharing.

The dispute between the two countries arose after Australia canceled a tens of billions of dollars military contract with France, against the backdrop of a military alliance (Ocos) it concluded with the US and Britain, under which it will receive alternatives to French submarines.