Australia and PNG fail to clinch defence agreement, sign communique instead

Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) were unable to finalize their landmark mutual defence treaty this week, with PNG’s cabinet yet to approve the agreement. In place of the treaty, both countries signed a communique outlining the key points of the pact, which would commit each nation to defend the other in the event of a military attack.

Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape downplayed the delay, noting that quorum issues due to PNG’s 50th independence anniversary prevented the cabinet from signing. The treaty, known as the Pukpuk treaty, is expected to be approved in the coming weeks.

Under the agreement, PNG would become Australia’s third formal military ally, alongside the United States and New Zealand. The communique also confirms plans for the integration of military forces and closer cooperation on defence capabilities, with PNG seeking to benefit from Australia’s advanced military technology.

Both leaders emphasized respect for sovereignty and dismissed concerns about potential external interference, including from China. Analysts note that the treaty text remains technically under negotiation until formally signed.