Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape has announced that the Cabinet has officially approved a significant mutual defense treaty with Australia, a development that marks a historic advancement in the defense and security partnership between the two nations. This treaty is particularly noteworthy as it positions PNG at a treaty level comparable to Australia’s agreements with the United States and New Zealand.
During a public address, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the depth of trust and shared history that has led to this unprecedented collaboration. “Australia has only one other mutual defense treaty of this type, and now, at our request, Papua New Guinea will sign this treaty,” he stated. The approval of the treaty is set to undergo PNG’s constitutional ratification process, where it will be presented to the Parliament, while Australia will conduct its own ratification in Canberra.
Marape assured that the treaty complies with PNG’s constitution, specifying that Section 206 allows its Defence Force to collaborate with visiting military forces. He highlighted the longstanding partnership between PNG and Australia, which has evolved since PNG gained independence and continues to be anchored in various areas of cooperation, including defense. The treaty aims to modernize and enhance PNG’s defense capabilities, focusing on interoperability and capacity development.
The treaty outlines several key initiatives designed to amplify PNG’s defense capacity: enhancing naval and maritime security to better patrol expansive maritime borders, modernizing air and ground forces, and establishing robust special forces. Additionally, it opens a pathway for PNG nationals to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), offering equal pay and a potential route to Australian citizenship.
Prime Minister Marape stressed that this treaty is not a matter of geopolitics, but rather a commitment to strengthen regional security and uphold PNG’s own domestic safety. He noted that with more than 10 million people, PNG faces security vulnerabilities and aims to uplift its defense forces to meet international standards through this partnership.
The sentiment surrounding the treaty has been echoed by Australian officials, emphasizing the importance of this agreement in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As external influences, particularly from China, continue to grow, this treaty represents a strategic step towards solidifying both nations’ security cooperation. The overarching goals of the treaty align with addressing mutual security concerns and fostering regional stability.
Looking ahead, Marape has framed this treaty as a solid foundation for PNG’s future, ensuring the country is prepared to safeguard its people and borders effectively. The partnership with Australia, he emphasized, is a crucial aspect of PNG’s approach to regional defense and national security, with hopes that it will yield positive outcomes for both nations for years to come.