Speaking alongside Mr Morrison ahead of the dinner on Tuesday night local time,Mr Macron called the Attack-class submarines agreement a “pillar of our partnership and the relationship of confidence between our countries”.

“I want to assure you of our full and complete commitment. That of French companies,and American companies working with us ... that of the whole French government in order to meet our common ambitions,to go further and faster if possible,” Mr Macron said.

Naval Group has been given until September to revise its design work plans for the next two years of the project,aftersubmitting the plan in February but told it was too expensive.

The government will now order all six of the nation’s ageing Collins-class submarines to becompletely rebuilt – after an initial plan to extend the life of just three – to avoid a capability gap as the first of Naval Group’s 12 submarines is not due to enter service until 2035.

Department of Defence secretary Greg Moriarty this month said “prudent contingency planning” was under way in the event the government decided to walk away from the French build. Senior government sources have confirmed it is highly unlikely it will ditch the Naval Group deal,saying the decision to do a full life-of-type extension on the Collins should apply the necessary pressure on the company to get the project back on track.

Michael Shoebridge,director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s defence program,said he didn’t think the government was serious about walking away from the French construction.

“The Morrison and Macron meeting is important because it sends a clear message to Naval Group that this is not a contractual matter between them and Department of Defence,it is a national strategic matter that has the attention of our national leader,” Mr Shoebridge said.

“What we really need out of the Morrison-Macron meeting is a recognition by both leaders this is not just a big contract,it’s a strategic partnership that needs to be thought of as part of France’s new strategic direction which has a greater priority on the Indo-Pacific.

“What Morrison wants is tangible progress that reduces the political damage of what is seen as a slow,troubled program with the French.”

Before the dinner Mr Macron condemned Beijing for using economic coercion to intimidate Australia,labelling the tactics a “flagrant breach” of international law.

“You are at the forefront of the tensions that exist in the region,of the threats,and sometimes of the intimidation,and I want to reiterate here how much we stand by your side,” the President said.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up here.