Papua New Guinea cabinet signs landmark defence treaty with Australia

"Papua New Guinea (PNG) has approved a mutual defence treaty with Australia in a major step forward for the landmark security deal. Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape announced in a statement on Thursday that his government cabinet had given its approval of the deal, and praised the elevated ties with Australia. list of 4 itemsend of list This reflects the depth of trust, history, and shared future between our two nations, Marape said in a statement."

"The text of the Pukpuk Treaty has not been made public, but some details were released in Marape's statement, including reference to a mutual defence clause, while laying out provisions for PNG to modernise its military capabilities and develop a national reserve force of 3,000 volunteers. The treaty will also create a path for 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force, while PNG also aims to build up its defence force to 7,000 troops, according to Marape's office."

"The Pukpuk Treaty is due to be signed soon by PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Australia's PM Anthony Albanese. Australia assumed control over PNG as a colonial power in 1902 and administered the country until 1975, but both sides have remained close since then, according to Jennifer Parker, an Australian defence expert. Parker told Al Jazeera the treaty looks set to codify the two countries' existing defence relationship and could earn Australia its first treaty ally in 70"

Papua New Guinea approved a mutual defence treaty with Australia and its cabinet granted approval ahead of expected signing by PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Australia's PM Anthony Albanese. The treaty had been scheduled for September to mark PNG's 50th independence anniversary but was delayed when the cabinet failed to reach a quorum. The treaty includes a mutual defence clause, plans to modernise PNG's military, creation of a 3,000‑volunteer national reserve, and a pathway for 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force. PNG aims to increase its defence force to 7,000 troops. Historical ties and regional security considerations underpin the agreement.

Read at www.aljazeera.com