Login
iscover
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape released a framework for the Papua New Guinea-Australia Bilateral Security Treaty, subject to negotiations and agreement by both countries.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The joint statement of commitment released by the leaders details how both nations will enhance their security partnership through a legally binding framework for security cooperation — covering topics including regional security, climate change and a recognition of shared interests.
The leaders hope to conclude the negotiations by 30 April 2023.
The joint statement of commitment states that the Papua New Guinea-Australia Bilateral Security Treaty will:
- Reinforce mutual respect and enable both countries to protect and enhance their independence, sovereignty and resilience;
- Strengthen position as vital security partners and assist both countries to protect and enhance sovereignty and resilience;
- Build on the strong platform of existing bilateral agreements and understandings;
- Solidify Pacific regional agreements and understandings, including the PIF Leaders’ consensus on the concept of regionalism and a forum family-first approach to peace and security;
- Reflect the evolving nature of shared security interests, recognising that non-traditional security challenges, such as climate change, cyber security, and economic elements of statecraft, affect our strategic environment;
- Recognise that because security interests are intertwined, including by virtue of geography, decisions taken by one country affect the security of the other;
- Commit to deeper and more regular information sharing and exchanges on security and strategic challenges;
- Enhance the scope and depth of ongoing practical cooperation and facilitate joint security operations and activities and greater interoperability;
- Capture the breadth of security cooperation while providing a mandate for future work in areas of shared interest;
- Be public and transparent, consistent with each other’s treaty practices and national laws; and
- Remain a contemporary reflection of shared interests, including through regular consultations on its implementation.
Excerpt from the joint statement of commitment: Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape.
Prime Minister Albanese this morning became the first international leader to address the PNG Parliament, pledging enhanced education, healthcare and defence cooperation — while committing to streamlining the visa application process.
During the address, Prime Minister Albanese evoked the enduring relationship between Australia and its northern neighbour, referring to interactions between Torres Strait Islanders and PNG traders through to more recent humanitarian cooperation.
The Prime Minister also pledged to deepen the education and healthcare cooperation between the two nations — supporting greater vocational training and healthcare readiness in the Pacific nation.
“The government I lead is committed to strengthening Australia’s education partnership with PNG,” the Prime Minister told Parliament.
“Working with you on the important priorities you’ve identified: including the early years and vocational education and training.
“And making sure that equality for women and girls goes far beyond the opportunity to attend school.
“Australia will continue to provide support to PNG’s health priorities, including in infectious diseases, such as TB, HIV, child and maternal health and malaria.”
The address further committed greater support to PNG’s infrastructure requirements, delivering economic advantages for the Pacific nation.
More to follow.
