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Australia will obtain rights to the Papua New Guinean military facilities and troops under a freshly signed pact that will see each government come to each other's defence if an armed conflict occurs.

“Australia remains our preferred security ally, and this is understood... Our broader relationships remain intact,” said the Papua New Guinea leader.

The pact will enable a maximum of 10,000 PNG citizens to join the nation's armed forces. They will also have the choice to become Australian citizens.

Agreement Specifics

Known as the Pukpuk Treaty (signifying "this reptile" in PNG pidgin), the bilateral agreement is the latest in a line of deals forged by regional states and nations competing for a military influence in the Pacific zone.

The treaty can deliver a strong response and, in the manner of this predator, its impact highlights the joint capability and readiness of the defence units for conflict.

Hostile action on either country would be “a threat to the partner's stability” so the two are to “act to meet the common danger”.

Enhanced Collaboration

The deal also encompassed enhanced cooperation around digital domains and electronic combat.

Earlier, the national security leader said that the deal would mean that Australian and PNG forces would be “completely unified”.

• To begin with, to curb foreign presence in the nation by ensuring it does not have the comparable reach to facilities.
• Furthermore, to tackle the nation's recent struggles recruiting for its military.
• Finally, the pact also demonstrates a stance to other global powers.

The benefits of the treaty were three-pronged, according to a regional security expert.

“Papua New Guinea possesses numerous capable nationals eager for these opportunities,” they said, adding that a significant number would be attracted by the opportunities of living in Australia and possibly getting Australian citizenship.

Pacific Consequences

This agreement is a component of a described as hub and spokes network of military treaties in the area – with the nation at the heart and regional countries being the spokes.

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

Each party need enhanced definition on the expectations, obligations and pledges.

The pact also included annual joint military exercises which were about “strategic messaging,” to “demonstrate combined operational readiness and rapid response to regional dangers”.

The agreement would help update PNG's army, bringing a significant boost in both equipment and esprit de corps.