Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have formally elevated their relationship to an Alliance with the signing of the Papua New Guinea–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, marking a historic step for both nations.
The Alliance is Australia’s first in more than 70 years and Papua New Guinea’s first with any country.
The Treaty was signed in Canberra today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape, reflecting a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific. It will enter into force once both countries complete their domestic treaty-making processes.
Prime Minister Albanese described the moment as “a shared historic moment for our two nations,” noting that it builds on “more than 50 years of cooperation and respect” between the countries. He said the Treaty demonstrates “the deep trust between Australia and Papua New Guinea across the breadth of our bilateral relationship,” and added that Papua New Guinea had proposed the agreement, which Australia was “honoured to agree” to.
The Treaty sets out mutual defence obligations, recognising that an armed attack on either country would threaten the peace and security of both, and declares that they would act together to meet any common danger. It also explicitly affirms respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of neighbouring nations.
The agreement paves the way for the expansion and modernisation of defence cooperation, including potential recruitment of citizens from each country into the other’s defence forces. From 1 January 2026, eligible permanent residents living in Australia who are also Papua New Guinea citizens will be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force, with further consultations on recruitment pathways planned.
Albanese said the Alliance, “built on generations of mutual trust, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the Pacific remains peaceful, stable and prosperous,” and emphasised that by strengthening regional security ties, “we safeguard our own security.”
The signing follows a Joint Communiqué released last month during Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in Port Moresby, which outlined the core principles of the Treaty.
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