Foreign Affairs Minister signs ratification of Puk Puk Treaty

Minister for Foreign, Justin Tkatchenko signed the Instrument of Ratification, of the Puk Puk Treaty today in Port Moresby.

The treaty was ratified on the 20th of March 2026.

Minister Tkatchenko said the Puk Puk Treaty will become operational once the two countries have signed in exchange the instruments of ratification.

"Today, papua New Guinea has led the has led the charge in ratifying and certifying the Puk Puk Treaty, and Australia will therefore follow in the next couple of months to formalise it and finalise the certification." He said.

Minister Tkatchenko said the Puk Puk Treaty will ensure very high and professional standards in recruitment, training and force preparations.

He said the Treaty is about working together in all millitary spheres and the duty of millitary under theTreaty are for defence and security of Papua New Guinea.

Minister Tkatchenko also said this is the first time PapuaNew Guinea has had alliance with another country in this level and regard.

Tkatchenko also said it is not only about security but also for emergency disasters like what we are experiencing now with the cyclone Maila, Australia stepped in and is assisting with aid and logisticts.

The instrument of ratification will bring into effect once Australia has ratified the certification in the comming months.