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Australia will obtain rights to the Papua New Guinean military facilities and soldiers under a new agreement that will ensure both nations come to each other's defence if one faces aggression.

“Our primary security collaboration is with Australia, a stance that is acknowledged... No other diplomatic ties have been affected,” stated PNG's Prime Minister.

This agreement will permit up to 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to serve in the nation's armed forces. They will also have the option to become Australian citizens.

Treaty Details

Referred to as the Pukpuk Pact (meaning "this reptile" in PNG pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the newest in a series of agreements concluded among countries in the Pacific and countries vying for a security presence in the Pacific zone.

The treaty possesses significant force and, similar to the crocodile, its impact highlights the interoperability and preparation of the armed forces for conflict.

A military assault on one of the nations would be “a threat to the partner's stability” so both should “respond to the shared threat”.

Enhanced Collaboration

The pact also covered enhanced cooperation around cyberspace and electromagnetic warfare.

Previously, the defence official from Papua New Guinea said that the deal would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “completely unified”.

• Initially, to limit foreign presence in the nation by ensuring it does not have the same level of access to facilities.
• Second, to tackle Australia's recent difficulties recruiting for its military.
• In conclusion, the agreement also demonstrates a stance to international actors.

The advantages of the agreement were three-pronged, as stated by a Pacific affairs specialist.

“There is a surplus of fit and willing individuals in PNG ready for such roles,” the expert noted, stating that a significant number would be attracted by the possibilities of moving to Australia and potentially obtaining citizenship.

Pacific Consequences

The deal represents an element in a described as centralized security framework of security agreements in the region – with Australia at the heart and island nations being the partners.

There are concerns that the agreement may compromise the nation's inclusive and neutral foreign policy position by associating the country with its partner on every defence issue.

Both sides need more precise understanding on the expectations, duties and commitments.

This agreement also included yearly combined drills which were about “communicating intent,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The pact would help enhance the nation's military, bringing a significant boost in both material and esprit de corps.