AUSTRALIA and Papua New Guinea have officially entered a new era of defence cooperation after the Pukpuk Treaty came into force, making the two neighbouring countries formal allies.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape announced the treaty’s commencement, describing it as a historic milestone in the relationship between the two nations.
The agreement marks Papua New Guinea’s first formal alliance with another country and Australia’s first alliance commitment in more than seven decades.
Under the treaty, Australia and Papua New Guinea have made a mutual defence commitment, recognising that an armed attack against either nation would be considered a threat to both countries and to regional security.
The Pukpuk Treaty requires both governments to consult, cooperate, and, if necessary, act together in response to shared security challenges. It also includes guarantees respecting each country’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
The agreement will strengthen cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Papua New Guinea
Defence Force, including closer integration, improved response capabilities, and support for Papua New Guinea’s defence development.
The treaty also provides a framework for expanding and modernising defence ties, including opportunities for citizens of each country to serve in the other’s defence forces.
Prime Minister Albanese said the new alliance reflected the close relationship between the two countries.
“The entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty is a momentous step in the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea,” Mr Albanese said.
“Our alliance reflects the deep trust we share as the closest of neighbours, partners and friends.”
He said the agreement demonstrated a shared commitment to maintaining a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific region amid growing global uncertainty.
Both governments said the treaty would strengthen regional security cooperation while continuing to respect the sovereignty and independence of Pacific nations.