Australia, Papua New Guinea Initiate Talks On Comprehensive Defense Treaty

Australia and Papua New Guinea have officially begun discussions on establishing a full defense treaty to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized that while both countries already share a defense cooperation agreement, the proposed treaty aims to enhance operational collaboration between their armed forces.

“This will allow our defense forces to progress toward greater integration and interoperability,” Marles stated during a joint press conference with Papua New Guinea’s Defense Minister, Billy Joseph.

The upcoming treaty is one of several agreements Australia has signed or is planning to negotiate with Papua New Guinea, as China continues to expand its influence in the region.

“We have many friends, and we treat them uniquely at different levels. But with Australia… we are closely tied, like family,” Joseph added.