Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have formally signed the long-awaited Pukpuk Treaty in Canberra on Oct. 6, cementing the two nations as formal allies.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, PNG Prime Minister James Marape, and Defence Minister Richard Marles, comes two weeks after the original ceremony was delayed amid internal confusion in Port Moresby and threats from Beijing.
Both leaders called the finalisation of the treaty a historic moment.
“This treaty elevates the relationship between our two nations to the status of an alliance. It is Australia’s first new alliance in more than 70 years, and only the third in our history,” Albanese said, referencing Australia’s alliances with the United States and New Zealand….
Australia and PNG Sign Historic Defence Pact, What It Means for Regional Security
