Overview

• An expected signing in Port Moresby did not proceed after Papua New Guinea’s cabinet lacked a quorum during independence celebrations, and both governments pointed to remaining domestic processes.
• The communique confirms the agreed text of the “Pukpuk” treaty, including a clause to treat an armed attack on either country as a common danger and to act in line with constitutional processes.
• The pact would expand defence cooperation through greater interoperability, joint training and cyber preparedness, and it would allow Australian Defence Force access to designated facilities in PNG.
• Citizens of both nations would be able to serve in each other’s militaries, and Prime Minister James Marape stressed the proposal originated from PNG and would respect national sovereignty.
• The delay is the second recent Pacific setback for Canberra after a Vanuatu deal was paused, as Australia also announced support for a new ministerial wing at PNG’s Parliament during the visit.