Australia and Papua New Guinea are set to announce the commencement of negotiations for a significant defence treaty, a move poised to reshape national security dynamics and the strategic landscape of the Pacific. This announcement follows a landmark security agreement signed just 14 months ago and a recent $600 million deal that established an NRL team for PNG in exchange for strategic commitments aimed at countering China’s influence.
The formal negotiations will be launched in Brisbane on Thursday morning by Defence Minister Richard Marles and his PNG counterpart, Billy Joseph. This initiative underscores Australia’s urgent efforts to strengthen defence ties in the Pacific amidst ongoing pressure from Beijing.
In his statement, Minister Marles expressed a desire to elevate the defence relationship with PNG, emphasizing the potential for a treaty to modernize and expand their partnership. “The shared ambition for a treaty-level agreement would facilitate deeper integration and enhance our ability to support each other’s security,” he said, highlighting its importance for regional stability.
While no specific timeline has been established for finalizing the new pact, sources indicate that both nations are eager to expedite the process, reflecting their commitment to bolstering collaboration in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
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