Papua New Guinea and Australia have agreed on the text of a landmark Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – set to be signed once Cabinet processes in both countries are completed.
Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape said the treaty represents the next chapter in a partnership grounded in half a century of cooperation, shared sacrifices and a commitment to democracy and regional stability.
“This historic alliance will deepen the trust we share as neighbours, partners and friends, while ensuring our region remains peaceful, stable and prosperous,” they said in a joint statement.
The agreement will formally elevate the defence relationship between the two nations into a mutual defence alliance. It commits both countries to stand together in the event of an armed attack, while strengthening cooperation through modernised defence capability, interoperability and integration.
Key elements of the treaty include a recruitment pathway for Papua New Guinea citizens into the Australian Defence Force, safeguards against third-party agreements undermining the treaty, and a reaffirmation of respect for neighbours’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Papua New Guinea proposed the alliance in its 50th year of independence, a gesture that Australia described as an honour to accept.
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