Papua New Guinea to Sign Bilateral Security Pact with Australia

Agreement to involve Australian police in key roles, aims to boost regional security and Papua New Guinea's agricultural exports.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape announces he will sign a bilateral security pact with Australia, involving Australian police officers working under the command of Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning.
The security agreement, which was delayed due to backlash from a previous defense deal with the United States, is seen as strategically crucial in the U.S. partners’ battle against China for regional influence.
The agreement includes an option for Australian police to work directly for the PNG Royal Constabulary on contract, filling about 50 positions throughout the country.
The security negotiations recognized PNG's sovereignty as a nation that won independence from Australia 48 years ago, while appreciating Australia's role as the region's largest economy.
The agreement also covers defense and biosecurity, with commitments from Australia on biosecurity that would boost Papua New Guinea's agricultural exports.