Canberra hosted Ministers from Papua New Guinea for the 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum, marking a fresh chapter in the nations’ long-standing partnership.
Co-hosted by Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko, the Forum follows the historic signing of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – known as the Pukpuk Treaty – by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape.
“The new Alliance is a natural evolution of our close defence ties, supporting sovereignty and safeguarding regional peace,” said Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
“We are moving from defence partners to allies, building on decades of collaboration.”
The treaty formally elevates the relationship to an alliance, reflecting a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
The Forum addressed a wide range of priorities, including:
- Defence collaboration: Establishing a recruitment pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force and supporting training initiatives for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
- Education and skills investment: A $150 million package to improve early and secondary education, increase retention – particularly for girls – and boost Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across PNG.
- Humanitarian and disaster relief: A $25 million package to construct warehouses, enhance emergency management capacity, and explore a new command and control centre in Port Moresby.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong described the moment as historic:
“Australia and Papua New Guinea are the oldest of friends, closest of neighbours, and soon-to-be, newest of allies. Today, we take our first steps in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.”
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Defence Industry Pat Conroy added:
“We have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with PNG. This Forum builds on momentum from the historic Defence Treaty, our NRL deal, and the Bilateral Security Agreement that have elevated our relationship.”
The Ministerial Forum also includes engagement with private sector representatives through the Annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Dialogue, co-hosted by Australia’s Trade Minister Don Farrell and PNG’s Minister for International Trade Richard Maru.
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