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The Australian nation will secure entry to the Papua New Guinean military facilities and personnel under a freshly signed agreement that will ensure both nations provide mutual defense if one faces aggression.

“Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” affirmed the nation's head of state.

The pact will permit as many as 10,000 PNG citizens to serve in the nation's armed forces. They will also have the option to become Australian citizens.

Treaty Details

Dubbed the Pukpuk Pact (meaning "this reptile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the latest in a series of agreements concluded among regional states and powers seeking a military influence in the region.

The pact possesses significant force and, similar to the crocodile, its bite force demonstrates the cooperation and preparation of the defence units for war.

Hostile action on either country would be “a risk to mutual safety” so the two are to “act to meet the common danger”.

Expanded Cooperation

This agreement also covered expanded partnership around cyberspace and spectrum operations.

Previously, the defence official from Papua New Guinea said that the agreement would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “completely unified”.

• Initially, to curb foreign presence in the nation by making certain it does not have the same level of access to facilities.
• Additionally, to resolve the nation's recent challenges building defence numbers.
• In conclusion, the deal also demonstrates a stance to other global powers.

The positive outcomes of the agreement were three-pronged, as stated by a defence analyst.

“Papua New Guinea possesses numerous capable nationals eager for these opportunities,” the expert noted, noting that many people would be interested in the opportunities of moving to Australia and perhaps obtaining citizenship.

Regional Implications

The deal forms part of a described as centralized security framework of defence pacts in the area – with Australia at the centre and regional countries being the partners.

Some have raised issues that the pact may compromise PNG's inclusive and neutral foreign policy position by associating the country with its partner on every defence issue.

Each party need more precise understanding on the expectations, responsibilities and pledges.

This agreement also included regular collaborative training which were about “demonstrating capability,” to “highlight joint defence capacity and swift mobilization against outside risks”.

This treaty would help update the nation's military, bringing a notable improvement in both resources and confidence.