Papua New Guinea and Australia will sign a major new defence treaty on PNG’s Independence Day, updating a decades-old agreement and marking a new chapter in the two nations’ security partnership.
“Well, the Minister and I first started negotiating this updated defence agreement in January of this year – and we’ll have more to say about the content of it as that is signed in the lead-up to Independence Day,” said Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles.
“This does update the Status of Forces Agreement… dating back to 1977… We both see this as a very, very significant agreement which will be signed between our two countries,” he said.
PNG Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph confirmed the technical work is on track.
“Most of the work is done by the technical team, and we have been informed that they’re progressing very well. And so, once the treaty is announced, we will talk about the details of the treaty,” he said.
Dr Joseph said the signing would be a milestone in the nations’ relationship.
“In 50 years, we have come a long way, and we look forward to the next 50 years… On the 50th anniversary we will be signing our PNGDF and ADF Defence Treaty,” he said.
Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea has received 12 armoured personnel carriers from Australia in a handover ceremony at Murray Barracks, Port Moresby, marking a boost to the PNG Defence Force’s capabilities ahead of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.
“It is an honour for me to be here to participate in the handing over of these 12 vehicles to Papua New Guinea to play their part in the PNG Defence Force,” said Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.
“This is a commitment of $3 billion (US$1.95 billion) to see these 12 vehicles constructed specifically for the PNGDF, and they will greatly enhance the capabilities of the PNGDF. They represent a moment where today the closeness of the Australian Defence Force and the PNG Defence Force has never been greater.”
Marles highlighted joint training, including PNG’s participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre for the first time on its own soil, as signs of the deepening military ties.
PNG Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph said the vehicles would strengthen the country’s ability to operate in volatile areas.
“When I first became Defence Minister… I put in a request for armoured personnel vehicles for the protection of our Defence forces… And in a short while – in less than two years – we are here about to receive 12 armoured personnel carriers,” he said.
“I would like to thank the people of Australia, the Government of Australia, and our friend, the Deputy Prime Minister… It will go a long way to rebuilding our Defence capability and the capacity of our Defence Force,” Dr Joseph added.
