Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape will move more quickly to pushback on China’s regional ambitions through a new bilateral agreement.
| Australia will sign a new security pact with Papua New Guinea by June, as the two countries agree to move more quickly to push back on China’s regional ambitions and tackle entrenched law and order struggles facing the Pacific nation., Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his counterpart James Marape signed a joint statement promising negotiations on the bilateral security agreement would wrap up by April 30, with the new pact due to come into force by the middle of the year.
Increased defence co-operation is expected, with a focus on training, personnel capacity and possible joint exercises.Mr Albanese and Mr Marape said decisions taken by one country affected the security of the other, and pledged more regular sharing of information on threats and strategic challenges. Australia will work to boost PNG’s participation in Pacific labour mobility schemes, as Mr Marape seeks to have as many as 8000 of his citizens involved.
Describing fighting against the Japanese in Papua New Guinea as the darkest days of World War II, Mr Albanese told PNG MPs the people of the neighbouring nations emerged as equals and mates.“Australians will never forget the heroism and humanity of the brave souls who – eight decades ago – came from all over this country to serve and fight alongside our soldiers in defence of this land and in defence of Australia’s freedom too.
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