PNG and Australia sign historic Defence Treaty
Papua New Guinea and Australia have signed a new mutual defence treaty, officially forming an alliance between the two countries.
The agreement was signed today in Canberra by Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. It marks Australia’s first defence alliance in more than 70 years, and the first ever for Papua New Guinea.
The Treaty shows both country's shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific. It states that if either country faces an armed attack, both will see it as a threat to their peace and security and will act together to respond.
The agreement also respects the independence and sovereignty of all Pacific neighbours. It allows for closer defence cooperation between the two countries, including possible future recruitment of citizens into each other’s defence forces.
As a first step, from January 1, 2026, Papua New Guinea citizens who are permanent residents in Australia will be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force.
The Treaty will come into effect once both countries complete their approval processes.
In a statement released from the office of the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, he said the signing marks a historic moment in the long relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
“Papua New Guinea proposed this Treaty, and we were honoured to agree,” Mr Albanese said.
“Our Alliance is built on generations of trust and friendship, and shows our commitment to keeping the Pacific peaceful, stable and prosperous.”
The signing follows a joint statement released by both leaders during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations in Port Moresby last month.
Prime Minister James Marape will hold a press conference at 7 pm tonight, following his return from Canberra, to announce the signing of the Defence Treaty, also known as the Pukpuk Treaty.