Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is leaving Papua New Guinea (PNG) without the defence treaty he had hoped for after a confused and somewhat shambolic response derailed plans to have it signed while he was in the country to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence.
Instead, he and PNG Prime Minister James Marape have agreed to sign a communiqué agreeing to continue the negotiating process.
PNG’s cabinet will meet next week to consider the terms. It had planned to do so on Sept. 15, but lacked a quorum after ministers returned to their homes to take part in local celebrations….
Confusion in Papua New Guinea Delays Signing of Defence Treaty With Australia
