Macron’s anger over nuclear submarine deal linked to French election, Peter Dutton says

Australian defence minister's claim comes as French president and PM Scott Morrison speak for first time since rift over Aukus deal

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Peter Dutton says sustained expressions of outrage from the French president, Emmanuel Macron, may be connected to the European country's looming national election rather than the cancellation of a $90bn submarine contract.

Australia's defence minister told the Nine network a call on Thursday night between Macron and the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, had been productive". The conversation was the first time the two leaders have spoken since the unveiling of the Aukus pact sent diplomatic relationship between Canberra and Paris into freefall.