Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has described today’s signing of the Papua New Guinea–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, known as the Pukpuk Treaty, as a “historic milestone” that redefines the security partnership between the two nations and strengthens the foundation of mutual respect, shared history, and common destiny.
Speaking at a Joint Press Conference alongside his Australian counterpart, Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese, in Canberra today, Prime Minister Marape said the Treaty marks the beginning of a new chapter in the bilateral relationship — one that moves beyond friendship to a strategic partnership for peace, security, and stability in the Pacific region.
“This Treaty was not conceived out of geopolitics or any other reason, but out of geography, history, and the enduring reality of our shared neighbourhood,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“It is about two houses with one fence, built on trust, partnership, and a shared sense of responsibility for the safety and prosperity of our people.”
Prime Minister Marape expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Albanese and the people of Australia for accepting Papua New Guinea’s proposal to formalise this Defence partnership, which reinforces both nations’ commitment to safeguarding their sovereign interests and regional peace.
“Papua New Guinea made a strategic and conscious choice — Australia is our security partner of choice. This choice was made not out of pressure or convenience, but from the heart and soul of our coexistence as neighbours in this part of the world,” Prime Minister Marape affirmed.
“This treaty is an umbrella of cooperation that gives safety to all engagements — government-to government, business-to-business, and people-to-people.”
The Pukpuk Treaty establishes a framework for mutual defence cooperation, enhancing capabilities of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to effectively perform its constitutional duties, which include defending national sovereignty, fulfilling international obligations, assisting civilian authorities, and contributing to nation-building.
Prime Minister Marape said the PNGDF currently faces challenges in operational readiness, and partnerships such as this are crucial in strengthening national Defence capacity.
“The reality is that our Defence Force needs enhanced capacity to defend our sovereign territorial integrity. This Treaty will help us build that capacity — through shared resources, intelligence, technology, and training,” he stated.
The Treaty also promotes cooperation in counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and regional stability, while ensuring full respect for each nation’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
“Our cooperation is built on mutual respect, not dominance; on trust, not imposition. Australia never imposed this on us — this was our proposal, and we thank them for walking with us as equal partners,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He noted that the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty commences the formal ratification process in Papua New Guinea, requiring approval by the National Parliament under Section 117 of the Constitution.
All Members of Parliament will receive the Treaty text for review before Parliamentary debate, ensuring transparency and accountability in this historic national decision.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Marape said the Treaty not only secures the present but also shapes the future for generations to come.
“As the Greeks say, a society prospers when old men plant trees whose shade they will never sit under. This Treaty is one such tree — it will shelter future generations of Papua New Guineans and Australians,” he said. “We are forever bound by history and geography. This Treaty ensures that our children and their children will continue to live in peace, security, and partnership.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming his Government’s commitment to preserving Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty while fostering enduring partnerships that advance regional stability and prosperity.
“This is a fireplace conversation between neighbours — Papua New Guinea and Australia. We share this part of the earth forever, and together we will safeguard it for the generations to come,” he said.