🔗 Share this article Australia Signs Key Defence Deal with PNG The Australian nation will gain access to PNG's armed forces bases and troops under a freshly signed agreement that will result in each government support one another if an armed conflict occurs. “Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” said the Papua New Guinea leader. The security treaty will enable as many as 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to serve in the nation's armed forces. They will also have the option to gain permanent residency in Australia. Treaty Details Dubbed the Pukpuk Treaty (meaning "this reptile" in PNG pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the latest in a succession of treaties struck between regional states and countries vying for a military influence in the Pacific zone. The pact possesses significant force and, in the manner of this predator, its impact demonstrates the interoperability and preparation of the armed forces for hostilities. An armed attack on any signatory would be “a risk to mutual safety” so both should “respond to the shared threat”. Expanded Cooperation The deal also included expanded partnership around digital domains and electronic combat. Earlier, the PNG Defence Minister said that the deal would mean that the military units of both nations would be “totally integrated”. Initially, to curb outside power in PNG by making certain it does not have the same level of access to infrastructure. Furthermore, to tackle Australia's recent struggles recruiting for its military. In conclusion, the pact also communicates a point to international actors. The positive outcomes of the deal were comprising several aspects, per analysis from a regional security expert. “PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” they said, adding that a significant number would be drawn to the prospects of moving to Australia and potentially getting Australian citizenship. Area Impact The treaty represents an element in a termed centralized security framework of security agreements in the region – with Australia at the centre and regional countries being the partners. Some have raised issues that the treaty undermines PNG's inclusive and neutral international approach by aligning the country with Australia on every defence issue. Both sides need enhanced definition on the anticipated outcomes, obligations and assurances. The pact also included yearly combined drills which were about “strategic messaging,” to “show the interoperability of the forces and their ability to face an external threat in the region and how quickly they can organise themselves and deploy”. The agreement would help update PNG's army, bringing a notable improvement in both equipment and confidence.