Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed a "new start" in relations with France at a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris following a bitter row between the countries over a submarine contract last year, AFP reported.

"My presence here represents a new start for our countries' relationship," Albanese said after arriving at the Elysee Palace.

"Australia's relationship with France matters. Trust, respect and honesty matter. This is how I will approach my relations," he added.

While acknowledging difficult times, Macron highlighted the two countries' strategic partnership, their shared military history in Europe, and their common interests in securing stability in the Pacific.

The announcements, which follow a warm welcome between the two leaders and their wives in the courtyard of the presidential palace, represent a sea change in relations since the departure of former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Macron was furious last year after Morrison secretly negotiated to buy American-designed submarines and then backed out of a landmark AU$50bn (€33bn) contract with France signed in 2016.

France cut diplomatic ties with Australia, and Macron has repeatedly accused Morrison of lying to him during a dinner in Paris in June 2021.