Following the historic signing of the PNG-Australia Mutual Defense Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape, the Albanese Government welcomed Ministers from PNG to Canberra yesterday for the 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.
The Ministerial Forum co-hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong and Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko.
The Treaty elevates PNG and Australia’s relationship to an Alliance, and reflects both countries’ commitment to each other and to a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.
Building on decades of close collaboration, the Forum will further our engagement across the breadth of our shared priorities, including:
The progression of the PNG-Australia Alliance through the establishment of a recruitment pathway that will enable PNG citizens to join the Australian Defense Force, and investments in infrastructure and common capabilities to support the Papua New Guinea Defense Force’s training initiatives.
A new education and skills package worth over $150 million to support PNG’s productivity, economic growth and human development. Delivered in partnership with the PNG Government and local organizations, the package includes four new investments focused on foundational education (early grades); secondary education; improving retention, particularly for girls; and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
A $25 million humanitarian and disaster relief package which includes the construction of new humanitarian warehouses to strengthen PNG’s ability to respond to disasters across the country; a new twinning partnership between Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the PNG National Disaster Centre to enhance capacity building; and scoping for the construction of an emergency command and control centre in Port Moresby to monitor risks and better coordinate disaster response.
The delegation will also engage with Australian and Papua New Guinean private sector representatives through the Annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Dialogue, co-hosted by Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, and PNG Minister for International Trade and Investment, The Hon Richard Maru OBE MP.
Acting Prime Minister and Defense, Minister Richard Marles said, “Our new Alliance is a natural evolution of our close and longstanding defense ties – one which supports sovereignty and safeguards the peace and security of our region.
“We are working closely together as we move from defense partners to allies, building on decades of growing collaboration under our Defense Cooperation Program. I look forward to furthering those discussions with my good friends and colleagues during this Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum.”
Foreign Minister, Penny Wong said “This is a historic moment in the story of our two nations, Australia and Papua New Guinea; we are the oldest of friends, closest of neighbors, and soon-to-be, newest of allies.
“Today, we take our first steps on the stewardship of our alliance and nurture our full breadth of interests to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.
“Australia and Papua New Guinea have never been closer, evidenced through the number of ministers we will have around the table today.”
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Defense Industry, Pat Conroy said “We have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Papua New Guinea. We’re committed to strengthening our close economic, development and security partnership, and working with PNG to improve outcomes in education and training.
“This Ministerial Forum builds on the momentum from the historic signing of the PNG-Australia Mutual Defense Treaty, our NRL deal, and our Bilateral Security Agreement that have elevated our relationship.”
In the year of PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence, Australia and PNG are celebrating the deep friendship between the two nations, steeped in shared history and characterized by mutual respect and ongoing collaboration. The Ministerial Forum will provide an opportunity for ministers across key policy areas to advance shared goals across our comprehensive strategic and economic partnership.