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8h ago

PNG Cabinet Approves Mutual-Defense Treaty With Australia

Parliamentary ratification would elevate ties to alliance status with mutual defense obligations plus pathways for PNG citizens to serve in the ADF.

Papua New Guinea’s Cabinet has reportedly approved the terms of a mutual defence treaty with Australia.
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Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape attend a flag lowering ceremony in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, September 16, 2025. AAP/MICK TSIKAS via REUTERS
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Overview

  • PNG’s cabinet approved the Pukpuk mutual‑defense treaty on Wednesday, clearing the way for Prime Ministers James Marape and Anthony Albanese to sign it soon.
  • The pact creates mutual defense commitments in the event of an armed attack, becoming only Australia’s third formal alliance once it takes effect.
  • The agreement enables recruitment of up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force under dual arrangements and expands interoperability, joint training and cybersecurity cooperation.
  • The treaty still requires ratification by both national parliaments before it enters into force.
  • The text includes safeguards for each country’s third‑party relationships as China voices concern, and a planned September signing was delayed by a PNG cabinet quorum shortfall.