"Our joint responsibility is to build this strong Indo-Pacific axis both to protect our economic interests as well as our security interests. This region is crucial for the stability of the world."

While Beijing's growing influence is causing regional anxiety, Mr Macron maintained greater co-operation with Australia should not be construed as anti-Chinese.

"I think China's rise is very good news for everybody," he said.

"Now what's important is to preserve the rules-based development in the region, and to preserve the necessary balances in the region.

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"It's important with this new context not to have any hegemony in the region."

Mr Macron made the case for Australia, France and India to play a "central role" in ensuring regional peace and prosperity.

"This partnership is a very important way to progress, because altogether with India and all the partners, this not an initiative against or in reaction to [China]," he said.


"That's a positive initiative to say 'we have something in common'. We do want to favour free movement in the Indo-Pacific region. We do want to preserve our common sovereignty."

French President Emmanuel Macron wants Australia and France to underpin a "new Indo-Pacific axis". Janie Barrett

Mr Macron's comments are timely as New Delhi recently knocked back Australia's request to join annual trilateral naval exercises next month between India, Japan and the US despite efforts to revitalise the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between the four countries.

Asked about a free trade agreement between Australia and the EU, Mr Macron suggested the protectionist concerns of France's powerful farm lobby had been overcome, paving the way for talks to start soon.

"We are not wasting any time," he said.

"We will keep close eye on interests in the agricultural field and interests of our territories in the Pacific and the climate issue, but I have no doubt that we can find a mutually beneficial agreement.

Mr Macron said the Pacific was a "treasure" in terms of biodiversity.

"This is also our vision of global trade which has to be free and fair, and I can say that both our countries do not consider trade war or tensions to be something in our interests."


Mr Macron said the Pacific was a "treasure" in terms of biodiversity and Australia and France would work together on several projects to stop "climate disruption", including studying coral reef resilience and solar energy training programs for island nations.

Building on the $50 billion submarine contract, the two leaders also highlighted greater defence cooperation, including Australian warships joining the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier group for patrols and the signing of a logistics agreement to greater interoperability between the two militaries.

The two countries will also work more closely on cyber security including sharing intelligence and responding to attacks.

David Rowe

Badged as the Australia-France Initiative, or AFiniti, the communique issued by the leaders committed to greater exchanges on science and innovation, university studies and research, space and arts and culture.

Both leaders made a last-ditch appeal for the retention of the Iran nuclear deal amid signs US President Donald Trump will dump the agreement.

Mr Macron prompted much mirth when he thanked Mr Turnbull and his "delicious" wife Lucy for hosting his visit.

"I would very much like France, given it is the last European member of the EU being present in the Pacific after the Brexit ... to be at the heart of this project," he said.