Australia and Papua New Guinea Sign Historic Pukpuk Treaty to Strengthen Defence and Regional Security
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have entered a new era of cooperation after signing the historic Pukpuk Treaty, a mutual defence agreement aimed at deepening military collaboration and enhancing regional security. The signing ceremony took place in Canberra, where Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his PNG counterpart James Marape described the treaty as a reflection of shared history, geography, and long-standing friendship between the two neighbours.
While the full text of the treaty has yet to be released, both leaders said it underscores their commitment to building a safer and more stable Pacific region — one that is shaped by mutual trust rather than external geopolitical competition.
A Partnership Built on Shared History and Geography
Speaking to reporters after the signing, Prime Minister Marape emphasised that the Pukpuk Treaty — named after the Tok Pisin word for “crocodile,” a symbol of resilience and strength — was grounded in the countries’ shared geography and intertwined past.
“This treaty is born out of geography, history, and the enduring reality of our shared neighbourhood,” Marape said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). “It’s about one bigger fence securing two homes, each with its own yard space.”
Marape firmly dismissed suggestions that the treaty was driven by major power rivalries in the Indo-Pacific, saying it was not designed in response to global tensions involving China or the United States.
“This treaty was not conceived out of geopolitics,” he said. “We maintain friendships with all nations and advocate peace wherever we engage.”
Defence Cooperation and Military Integration
Prime Minister Albanese highlighted that the agreement would enhance interoperability between the two nations’ defence forces, allowing them to train, operate, and share resources more effectively.
“The Pukpuk Treaty makes very explicit that there will be interoperability between our defence assets,” Albanese said. “Our greatest asset, however, is our people — the men and women who serve our nations.”
Reports by the ABC indicate that this level of cooperation could grant both countries similar defence privileges to those enjoyed by members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
In addition, PNG’s government said the treaty would open a pathway for 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The plan is seen as part of a broader initiative to help PNG expand its own military strength, aiming to grow its national defence force to 7,000 active personnel in the coming years.
A Milestone in Australia–PNG Relations
The signing of the Pukpuk Treaty marks a milestone in the relationship between Australia and PNG, which recently celebrated 50 years of independence from Australia. Australia assumed administrative control over PNG in 1902 after both were colonised by the United Kingdom.
Despite independence, the two countries have remained closely connected through economic, political, and humanitarian partnerships. PNG, with a population of around 12 million, continues to face development challenges, with about 40% of its citizens living below the poverty line — a sharp contrast to its economically advanced southern neighbour.
Albanese described the agreement as a “natural evolution” of the strong friendship and trust built over decades. “This treaty is about looking forward together, protecting our people, and ensuring that our shared region remains peaceful and prosperous,” he said.
Broader Regional Implications
The Pukpuk Treaty also reflects Australia’s growing engagement with its Pacific neighbours amid increasing global interest in the region. Canberra has been expanding its defence and security ties across the Pacific to support regional stability and counterbalance rising external influence.
Recently, Australia signed a landmark climate and migration treaty with Tuvalu, the first of its kind to provide relocation pathways for citizens displaced by climate change. Similar talks with Fiji and Vanuatu are ongoing, though negotiations with Vanuatu on a joint security and climate agreement stalled earlier this year.
Balancing Security and Climate Commitments
Beyond defence, both nations acknowledged the importance of addressing climate change as a critical security challenge. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events continue to threaten livelihoods and infrastructure across the Pacific.
Australia, which is bidding to co-host the 2026 United Nations COP Climate Conference alongside Pacific partners, has pledged to work with neighbouring island nations to enhance disaster resilience and promote clean energy development.
“Climate security is human security,” Albanese said in a recent statement. “The Pacific family stands strongest when we face these challenges together.”
Historical Context: Cooperation Amid Challenges
Australia and PNG have a long, complex relationship shaped by shared colonial history and modern-day cooperation. In 2013, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding allowing Australia to detain asylum seekers arriving by boat on PNG’s Manus Island. The controversial offshore detention centre closed in 2017, leaving hundreds of refugees in limbo.
Today, both governments are working to redefine their partnership around mutual respect, equality, and regional stability rather than dependency. The Pukpuk Treaty, analysts say, represents that shift — one based on collaboration rather than control.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Regional Security
The Pukpuk Treaty has been widely viewed as a cornerstone of future Australia–PNG cooperation, setting the stage for closer coordination in defence, disaster relief, and humanitarian response.
Experts believe the treaty could also serve as a model for other Pacific nations seeking balanced partnerships that enhance sovereignty while improving collective security.
For Prime Minister Marape, the signing reflects a vision of strength through unity: “We are neighbours, friends, and family. This treaty is about securing our shared future — not just for today, but for generations to come.”
As both nations prepare to release the full text of the agreement, the Pukpuk Treaty stands as a symbol of trust, partnership, and regional resilience — marking the beginning of a stronger, more integrated Pacific alliance built on respect, peace, and shared prosperity.