PNG Australia to entry into force its bilateral security agreement

Australian and Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers conduct a combat team clearance of Sepik Province, as part of Exercise Wantok Warrior 24. (Australian Army)

The Government of Papua New Guinea and Australia agrees to fully implement the security agreement signed in December 2023.

A Joint statement released by the Australian Prime Minister Australia Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister James Marape announced the entry into force of the Australia – Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement.

Both prime ministers held a combined media conference in Australia, Thursday morning.

“As a legally binding framework for closer security relations, the Agreement is a landmark chapter in the Australia – Papua New Guinea Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership,” the joint-statement read.

“The Agreement elevates, broadens and modernises our longstanding security relationship, ensures consultation on security-related developments and allows us to work even more closely together to contribute to the region’s security.

“Since signing the Agreement in December 2023, Australia has responded quickly to support Papua New Guinea’s defence and internal security priorities as its security partner of choice.

“This includes Australian support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary by commencing construction on new policing facilities, delivering a new police patrol vessel, as well as support for recruitment, training and forensics. Australia has expanded its flagship Australia – Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership to boost our delivery of initiatives to promote safe and secure communities across Papua New Guinea.

”Leaders also welcomed Papua New Guinea’s establishment, with Australian support, of a training centre to help Papua New Guinea build a stronger and more capable police force. As Prime Minister Marape announced in August, the training centre will serve as one of the Centres of Excellence under the Pacific Policing Initiative, a landmark initiative endorsed at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum by Pacific leaders.

“Australia and Papua New Guinea’s security partnership is grounded in the strategic trust we share as near neighbours, close partners and friends. Australia and Papua New Guinea share an interest in a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific and have a proud history of working together to progress this vision.”