Australia, Papua New Guinea to Negotiate Comprehensive Defense Treaty

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have announced plans to negotiate a full defense treaty, aiming to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations. The move builds on their existing defense partnership, with a focus on enhancing interoperability and integration between their armed forces.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized that the treaty would deepen defense ties, allowing both countries to work more closely on security challenges. “This will enable our two defense forces to follow a path of increasing integration and interoperability,” Marles stated during a joint press conference with PNG Defense Minister Billy Joseph.

The planned treaty comes as Australia seeks to reinforce its strategic ties with PNG amid growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific, particularly as China expands its influence in the region. While reaffirming PNG’s commitment to its alliances, Joseph highlighted the country’s special bond with Australia. “We have many friends and treat them uniquely at different levels, but with Australia, we are very close,” he said.

Australia has been a key partner in PNG’s security and economic development, funding infrastructure projects and defense initiatives. The upcoming treaty is expected to formalize and expand cooperation in areas such as military training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations.

As regional dynamics shift, Australia’s deeper engagement with PNG underscores its broader strategy to maintain stability and counter foreign influence in the Pacific. The treaty negotiations reflect both nations’ commitment to regional security and defense collaboration.