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Australia will gain access to the Papua New Guinean defence infrastructure and personnel under a new agreement that will see the two countries provide mutual defense if an armed conflict occurs.

“Australia remains our preferred security ally, and this is understood... Our broader relationships remain intact,” said the Papua New Guinea leader.

The pact will enable as many as 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to enlist in the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the option to obtain Australian citizenship.

Treaty Details

Known as the Pukpuk Treaty (which translates to "the crocodile" in local dialect), the two-nation deal is the newest in a succession of treaties concluded among regional states and countries seeking a security presence in the Pacific zone.

This agreement has the ability to bite and, in the manner of this predator, its impact speaks of the joint capability and preparedness of the military for war.

A military assault on one of the nations would be “a risk to mutual safety” so both should “address the collective risk”.

Deeper Partnership

This agreement also included enhanced cooperation around digital domains and electromagnetic warfare.

Earlier, the PNG Defence Minister noted that the agreement would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “totally integrated”.

• First, to limit external influence in the nation by guaranteeing it does not have the comparable reach to facilities.
• Second, to resolve Australia's recent struggles recruiting for its military.
• Finally, the agreement also demonstrates a stance to international actors.

The positive outcomes of the agreement were comprising several aspects, as stated by a regional security expert.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” it was explained, stating that numerous individuals would be attracted by the opportunities of living in Australia and possibly securing permanent status.

Area Impact

The treaty forms part of a described as hub and spokes network of defence pacts in the Pacific – with Australia at the heart and island nations being the spokes.

Some have raised issues that the agreement undermines the nation's non-aligned foreign policy position by associating PNG with its partner on every defence issue.

Each party need greater clarity on the anticipated outcomes, responsibilities and commitments.

The pact also included yearly combined drills which were about “demonstrating capability,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The agreement would help modernise the defence force, bringing a significant boost in both material and confidence.