Papua New Guinea Approves Mutual Defence Treaty with Australia
Papua New Guinea has approved a landmark mutual defence treaty with Australia, paving the way for a formal security alliance between the two neighbours.
Prime Minister James Marape confirmed on Thursday that his cabinet had endorsed the agreement, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, hailing it as a reflection of “trust, history, and shared future” between Port Moresby and Canberra.
Originally scheduled to be signed in September during PNG’s 50th independence anniversary, the deal was delayed after Marape’s cabinet failed to reach a quorum. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the development, saying he looks forward to formalising the pact.
According to details released by Marape’s office, the treaty contains a mutual defence clause and provisions for PNG to modernise its armed forces, including plans to expand its military to 7,000 personnel and create a 3,000-strong volunteer reserve. It also opens a pathway for 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force.
If finalised, the agreement would make PNG Australia’s first new treaty ally in more than 70 years, joining the United States and New Zealand under the ANZUS alliance. Analysts say the deal will codify longstanding defence cooperation while allowing Australia to increase its investment in PNG’s security sector amid rising regional competition with China.
Beijing, one of PNG’s largest trading partners, has previously urged Port Moresby to avoid security arrangements that it described as “exclusive in nature.” The treaty text has not yet been made public but is expected to include provisions affirming PNG’s right to maintain defence ties with other partners.
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