The Pukpuk Treaty between Papua New Guinea and Australia has come into effect following the signing on Wednesday in Australia.

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape got together to announce the entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty. 

Australia and Papua New Guinea are now formally allies. This is Papua New Guinea’s first alliance with any country, and Australia’s first in more than 70 years. 

The Pukpuk Treaty is underpinned by a mutual defence commitment, recognising that an armed attack on either country is a threat to both nations, and the security of the region. 

It commits Australia and Papua New Guinea to consult, cooperate, and if required, act to meet a common danger, while explicitly safeguarding sovereignty.   

It also reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific, and affirms our mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and the territorial integrity of our neighbours. 

The treaty will strengthen integration between the Australian Defence Force and PNG Defence Force. It will enable our nations to quickly and effectively respond to shared security challenges, and support Papua New Guinea’s sovereign defence capability.

The treaty supports the expansion and modernisation of our defence relationship, including recruitment of each countries’ citizens into respective defence forces.