U.S. reiterates France a 'vital ally' after Paris recalls ambassador

The United States on Friday reiterated that France was a 'vital ally' after Paris recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia for consultations as a trilateral security contract spiraled into a diplomatic crisis.

"France is a vital partner and our oldest ally, and we place the highest value on our relationship," State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement, adding that Washington was hoping to continue the discussion on the issue at the senior level in the coming days, including during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York next week.