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Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds has met with her Papua New Guinean counterpart, Saki Soloma, in Canberra to discuss the countries’ enduring Defence Cooperation Program.
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Minister Reynolds said that the meeting was an early opportunity to express Australia's continued commitment to the defence partnership to support a stable and prosperous Papua New Guinea.
"As near neighbours, our security is directly tied to one another. Our discussions build on today’s announcement by Prime Minister [Scott] Morrison and Prime Minister [James] Marape of a $20 million package of defence initiatives to further strengthen our partnership," the Defence Minister said.
"We discussed ways to drive co-operation between our two countries to start negotiations towards a new, enhanced Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP).
"Further acknowledging our deepening relationship, Minister Soloma and I committed biannual defence ministerial meetings to drive the agenda forward.
"Our discussions focused on highlighting Australia’s commitment to continue expanding co-operation in aviation, maritime, infrastructure and capability development, as PNG builds a strong and resilient Defence Force.
"I look forward to visiting PNG with Assistant Defence Minister the Hon Alex Hawke MP this year."
The initiatives will focus on building a minimum sustainable PNG capability, including on military aviation capability, expanding the maritime security partnership, building on the infrastructure investment program (including continuing the joint work on the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus Province), and continuing to work with Papua New Guinea’s future leaders building their Defence Force.
The prime ministers also agreed to explore opportunities for enhanced capability through infrastructure development and information sharing, including on border security.
