URGENT UPDATE: Papua New Guinea has officially approved a pivotal mutual defense pact with Australia, known as the Pukpuk Treaty. This historic agreement was confirmed today after PNG’s national cabinet reached an “absolute majority” decision to ink the treaty, which had been delayed due to prior approvals.
Sources reveal that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape were poised to finalize the treaty last month. However, the signing was postponed when PNG’s national cabinet was unable to convene. Today’s approval marks a significant advancement in the relationship between the two nations.
An official spokesperson for Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the importance of this treaty during his visit to PNG in September 2023. “As the leaders stated, this Treaty will elevate our relationship with PNG to an Alliance – the first in over 70 years, and only our third overall,” the spokesperson noted.
This Mutual Defence Treaty solidifies military and strategic ties, placing PNG at the same level as Australia’s alliances with the United States and New Zealand. It promises to strengthen not only military cooperation but also economic and cultural bonds between the two countries.
PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph, who championed this treaty, expressed his government’s commitment to protecting national sovereignty. In a recent social media post, he stated, “Peace must be achieved through strength. Military strength is achieved through conscious investment in our Defence Forces balanced by our strategic security alliances.” His remarks underscore the urgency of military preparedness in maintaining independence and integrity.
As the situation develops, this landmark agreement represents a major shift in regional security dynamics in the Pacific. Observers are keenly watching how this treaty will transform the defense landscape and influence geopolitical relations moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as further details are expected to emerge shortly.
