Australia and Papua New Guinea take alliance to ministerial forum
Australian and Papua New Guinean ministers meet in Port Moresby for the first ministerial forum since their Pukpuk alliance entered into force in July. Defence, security, telecommunications and critical infrastructure are on the agenda. A parallel business dialogue covers investment and jobs, while possible military recruitment remains a proposal for discussion.
Geopolitics··Evening
Ministers meet after the Pukpuk alliance took effect
Australian and Papua New Guinean ministers are meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital, for their first ministerial forum since the Pukpuk Treaty entered into force in July. The treaty established Papua New Guinea’s first alliance with any country. Australia describes it as its first new alliance in more than seventy years. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong are part of the Australian delegation.[1], [2]
Defence recruitment is an item for discussion
The announced agenda aims to turn the alliance into practical cooperation on defence, security, telecommunications and critical infrastructure. Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko highlighted health, education and security. Possible direct recruitment of Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force is also up for discussion. Marles said the proposal would be considered, without announcing eligibility rules, recruitment numbers or a starting date.[1]
Business dialogue runs alongside security talks
The annual Papua New Guinea–Australia Business Dialogue takes place alongside the ministerial forum. Government and business representatives are scheduled to discuss trade, investment and employment opportunities. Economic resilience is among the announced objectives. Australia’s delegation includes ministers responsible for communications, employment, the environment and regional development as well as defence and foreign affairs. Wong emphasised consultation and joint implementation, while Tkatchenko linked the partnership to the safety of both countries and the wider Pacific.[1]
The delegation includes Amanda Rishworth for employment, Murray Watt for environment and water, and Anika Wells for communications and sport. Pat Conroy’s responsibilities include defence industry and Pacific affairs. Kristy McBain covers emergency management and regional development, while Nita Green is assistant minister for Pacific affairs. Their presence accompanies the forum’s stated agenda across security and economic cooperation. Marles described the treaty as the next phase of a relationship built over generations. The ministers are meeting after Albanese and Papua New Guinea’s James Marape announced the treaty’s entry into force in July.[2]
