Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso is currently Acting Prime Minister while Prime Minister Hon. James Marape is attending the official signing of the landmark Papua New Guinea–Australia Security Treaty.
Prime Minister Marape said the signing marks a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, opening new doors for cooperation across multiple sectors beyond defence.
“As I indicated previously in my speech about the Security Treaty, this agreement opens many doors for us and fine-tunes our relationship with Australia going forward into the next 50 years,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He emphasised that the Treaty not only strengthens defence and security collaboration but also builds opportunities in areas such as clean energy, policing, education, and employment for Papua New Guineans.
“The Treaty reflects the deep friendship and mutual trust that our two nations share,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It is about growing together in peace, prosperity, and mutual respect as we chart the next 50 years of partnership.”
While in Australia, Prime Minister Marape is also holding key discussions with the National Rugby League (NRL) executives and Australian Prime Minister Hon. Anthony Albanese regarding the establishment of Papua New Guinea’s own NRL team.
“These talks are focused on finalising the team’s name, structure, membership drives, and sponsorship frameworks that will underpin our country’s entry into the NRL,” the Prime Minister said. “Our aim is to ensure that PNG’s NRL team is built on a strong foundation — professionally managed, commercially viable, and nationally representative.”
Prime Minister Marape said updates from these discussions will be presented to the PNG NRL Board later this week in Port Moresby, as preparations continue for the upcoming Prime Minister’s XIII match scheduled for next Sunday at the National Football Stadium.
Prime Minister Marape is expected to return to Port Moresby tomorrow afternoon and will host a press conference upon arrival to brief the nation on the details and significance of both the Security Treaty and the NRL discussions.