Australia will elevate its relations with Papua New Guinea to the same level as the US and New Zealand, with a major defence treaty set to be signed as soon as next week.
Delayed last month due to political complications within the PNG government, the new treaty won approval from prime minister James Marape’s cabinet ministers on Wednesday night.
The Pukpuk mutual defence treaty will establish Australia’s first new alliance since the Anzus agreement was signed in 1951. Pukpuk will require both countries to come to the aid of the other in the event of a military attack, and allow citizens of both countries to serve in the defence force of the other.
A deal was expected with the former Australian colony last month, when Anthony Albanese was in Port Moresby for celebrations of the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence. But concerns over sovereignty and the lack of a cabinet quorum delayed the deal.
A federal government spokesperson said on Thursday that Albanese and Marape signed a joint communique for the treaty last month.
“As the leaders said at the time, that treaty would be signed following cabinet processes in both countries.
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“This treaty will elevate our relationship with PNG to an alliance, the first in over 70 years and only our third overall.
“It puts our relationship with PNG on the same level as we have with the United States and New Zealand and builds on the already strong bonds between our defence forces, our economies and our people.”
Marape said the treaty would be put forward for ratification by both national parliaments.
“This reflects the depth of trust, history, and shared future between our two nations,” he said.
“Today, Australia remains our single biggest bilateral partner, and consistent with our past, we are shaping our future.
“Our sovereignty is defined by our national security. This treaty strengthens PNG’s security and defence capacities as we embark on the next 50 years. It is about ensuring Papua New Guinea is safe, secure, and prepared to protect its people and borders.”
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He is due to visit Australia to attend Sunday’s NRL grand final with Albanese.
Albanese has pushed a deal for PNG to enter the NRL in 2028, part of the $600m agreement which has served as a major diplomatic sweetener.
Joint military training exercises, better technical interoperability and new cooperation on cybersecurity preparedness are all expected as part of the new agreement.
China has used infrastructure funding and loan agreements to build influence with Pacific Island countries, undercutting Australia’s ties with the region and testing the country’s diplomatic reach.
The Albanese government has used treaty negotiations as a way to push back on Beijing, ensuring Australia remains the security partner of choice for Pacific nations.
The defence minister, Richard Marles, said on Thursday he expected the PNG treaty to be signed in the very near future, calling it “imminent”.
