Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape will sign the Pukpuk Treaty, Australia's first new defence alliance in over 70 years. Image: DevPolicy Blog.
(The Post News)– Australia is to sign a historic defense agreement with Papua New Guinea (PNG) in order to bring its relationship into line with its alliances with the United States and New Zealand.
The Pukpuk Treaty will commit the two nations to work together in the event of an attack, increase joint training, and allow PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the agreement seals a “close friendship” and secures the Pacific region.
“Both our nations are the closest of neighbors and the closest of friends. This treaty will elevate our relationship to the status of a formal alliance,” Albanese said.
Papua New Guinea Approves Landmark Pact
PNG Prime Minister James Marape confirmed his cabinet had approved it on Wednesday night. He said the treaty is proof of trust and common history between the two neighbors. “PNG’s sovereignty is our national security. This treaty boosts the defense strength of PNG as we enter the next 50 years,” Marape said.
The treaty will now be tabled in both parliaments for ratification. Marape is scheduled to be in Sydney this weekend for the NRL grand final with Albanese, where the deal may be signed off.
The defense pact includes a mutual defense clause requiring aid in the case of armed attack. Joint maneuver training and cooperation on cybersecurity. Raising PNG’s military personnel to 7,000 with a further 3,000 in reserve. A 10,000-strong Papua New Guinea reinforcement of the ADF to address Australia’s recruitment shortfall.
This pact will be Australia’s first new alliance since the ANZUS Treaty of 1951. The treaty comes as Beijing expands its influence in the Pacific via loans, infrastructure deals, and security pacts. Australia and the US are worried about the potential Chinese military base in the region.
Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, said the treaty was “imminent” and of paramount importance for Pacific security. China’s embassy in Port Moresby warned PNG of signing a treaty that “excludes third parties,” a veiled reference to Beijing. Marape’s office assured the treaty will not restrict PNG’s relationship with China, one of its biggest trading partners.
New Era for Australia and Papua New Guinea
PNG was once administered by Australia before independence in 1975. The two nations, despite their colonial past, have long been close allies. Experts say the new treaty marks a turning point.
Defence analyst Jennifer Parker said, “This is the first time in 70 years that Australia will have a new treaty ally. It formalizes an existing close relationship and gives PNG a stronger security framework.”
The treaty will also boost defense, but it will boost cultural ties. Australia has backed PNG’s entry into the NRL in 2028 under a $600 million package of support, boosting sport and diplomacy as well as security.
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