PNG security pact locked in
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Australia and Papua New Guinea have sealed a new security pact.
Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and James Marape of Papua New Guinea have officially announced the entry into force of the Australia - Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement.
The agreement marks a significant advancement in the security relations between the two nations.
“The Agreement elevates, broadens and modernises our longstanding security relationship, ensures consultation on security-related developments and allows us to work even more closely together to contribute to the region’s security,” Albanese said this week.
Since its signing in December 2023, Australia has moved to support Papua New Guinea’s security needs by constructing new policing facilities, providing a new police patrol vessel, and aiding in recruitment, training, and forensic capabilities for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
The partnership also saw the expansion of the Australia - Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership, aimed at fostering safe and secure communities in Papua New Guinea.
In a significant development, Papua New Guinea, with support from Australia, is establishing a training centre to strengthen its police force.
The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Marape in August, will function as a Centre of Excellence under the Pacific Policing Initiative, which was endorsed by Pacific leaders at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum.
Analysts claim one of the major benefits to Australia is the inclusion of a clause preventing a China-PNG policing partnership.
