Australia and Papua New Guinea Unite Against Shared Security Threats with Historic Defence Pact

AUSTRALIA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA SIGN MUTUAL DEFENCE TREATY CANBERRA, Australia - In a significant move to strengthen regional security, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape signed a mutual defence treaty on Monday at Parliament House in Canberra. The agreement, known as the Pukpuk treaty, aims to provide a framework for cooperation between the two nations in the event of external threats. According to sources, the text of the agreement will be made available soon. "This treaty is about one bigger fence that secures two houses that has its own yard space," Marape said during a press conference, explaining that the pact was drawn up out of geography, history and the enduring reality of their shared neighbourhood. The signing of the treaty comes as part of Australia's efforts to strengthen its relationships with Pacific Island nations. The agreement is seen as a significant step in enhancing regional security and stability, particularly in light of China's growing influence in the region. Australia has been actively engaging with Pacific Island nations to address concerns over climate change, security, and economic development. The mutual defence treaty with Papua New Guinea is part of this broader effort to build trust and cooperation among regional partners. The treaty has been welcomed by international observers as a positive development for regional stability. "This agreement demonstrates Australia's commitment to its neighbours in the Pacific," said Dr. Tess Newton Cain, a senior research fellow at the Griffith University's Asia-Pacific Governance and International Relations Program. The signing of the Pukpuk treaty is seen as a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea. The two nations have a long history of cooperation on issues such as trade, education, and healthcare. As part of the agreement, both countries will work together to enhance their military capabilities and improve regional security. The pact also includes provisions for joint exercises and training programs to strengthen their defence forces. The signing of the treaty is expected to be followed by a series of joint initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation on issues such as climate change, trade, and economic development. In related news, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to visit Papua New Guinea in the coming weeks to further discuss the implementation of the mutual defence treaty. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*