Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy has said that implementation of agreements between Papua New Guinea and Australia was a key focus of the 32nd PNG-Australia Ministerial Forum in Port Moresby.

Mr. Conroy said both countries have made progress on the Bilateral Security Agreement and are continuing work towards strengthening their alliance.

He said the priority must be turning agreements into practical outcomes that deliver benefits to the people of both countries.

“Implementation must be the North Star of everything we do so that the people of both Papua New Guinea and Australia see the close benefits from our close relationship,” Mr. Conroy said.

He also highlighted the proposed direct recruitment of Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force as one of the issues linked to strengthening defence cooperation.

Mr. Conroy said the relationship between the two countries was built on close historical and geographical ties, which create a special responsibility to work together towards their shared potential.

He also described the entry of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs into the National Rugby League in 2028 as a major milestone for both countries.

Mr. Conroy said the team has the potential to unite Papua New Guinea’s diverse communities, bringing together its many tribes and languages through a shared passion for rugby league.

He also congratulated the PNG Kumuls on their victory over Lebanon in the Rugby League World Cup over the weekend.

The 32nd Ministerial Forum is expected to advance discussions on bilateral cooperation, including security, defence and the implementation of existing agreements.