The Pukpuk treaty signifies a commitment between the two neighbors to enhance military collaboration, though the full agreement text is pending release.
Published On 6 Oct 2025
In a significant development, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape formalized a defence pact in Canberra. While the official document has yet to be published, both leaders emphasized the importance of this agreement for their nations.
Speaking to the press in Australia’s capital, Marape highlighted that the treaty stems from their intertwined geography, shared history, and the ongoing reality of being close neighbors.
He illustrated the partnership by likening it to a single, robust fence protecting two adjacent homes, each with its own distinct yard, underscoring the unity and mutual security the treaty aims to foster.
Contrary to assumptions that the agreement was influenced by global power dynamics, particularly the strategic interests of major players like China and the United States in the Pacific, Marape clarified that the treaty was not motivated by such geopolitical factors.
He further stressed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to maintaining amicable relations universally and promoting peace in all diplomatic engagements.
Prime Minister Albanese elaborated that the treaty explicitly ensures “interoperability” between the defence forces of both countries, emphasizing that their people remain the most valuable asset in this collaboration.
According to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, this arrangement grants Papua New Guinea access to the same intelligence-sharing privileges enjoyed by members of the Five Eyes alliance, which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Marape’s administration revealed that the treaty paves the way for up to 10,000 Papua New Guinean citizens to enlist in the Australian Defence Force, while simultaneously aiming to expand PNG’s own military to a strength of 7,000 personnel.
With a population nearing 12 million, Papua New Guinea faces significant economic challenges, with approximately 40% of its people living below the poverty threshold, a stark contrast to the wealthier Australian neighbor.
The Pukpuk treaty’s signing follows closely on the heels of Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence from Australia, which had governed the territory since 1902 after both nations were once under British colonial rule.
Historically, Australia and Papua New Guinea have had complex interactions, including the 2013 memorandum of understanding that led to the establishment of offshore detention centers on Manus Island for asylum seekers arriving by boat. These centers were closed in 2017, leaving many refugees in uncertain circumstances.
Australia is also pursuing a security agreement with Fiji, following the recent collapse of a similar deal with Vanuatu that encompassed both security and climate change cooperation.
In a pioneering move, Australia recently inked a treaty with Tuvalu, marking the first international agreement to provide visas aimed at assisting individuals displaced by climate change to relocate safely.
Addressing climate change remains a critical security priority for Pacific nations, with Australia bidding to co-host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) alongside its regional partners. However, this bid faces competition from Turkiye, which is also officially seeking to host the event.
