The Mutual Defence Treaty between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia is not only going to strengthen security, bilateral relations and create employment opportunities, it is something Prime Minister James Marape will use to build the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) to the highest level than what it is today.
The prime minister revealed this to the media in a press conference after his return to Port Moresby city from Candara, Australia on Monday 6th October, where he outlined his plans to build the PNGDF on the back of the “Pukpuk Treaty”.
He bluntly said PNG at this stage after 50 years of independence, is not in the best form to protect its own land and sea borders. But, through this Defence Treaty, PNG stands to benefit from the technology and equipment available to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for surveillance, and also to build PNG’s defence capabilities.
“In the start of the next 50 years, what is a country without its own ability to defend the sovereignty we have?”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that national security continues to be priority. It has been so for previous governments and for his government, as the current prime minister, he is adamant in ensuring that the PNGDF is build up to the highest level in terms of manpower and resources to provide that security guarantee, and this Treaty opens the door for that to happen.
“Our defence force, we will work to build 7, 000 strong unit by 2035, also a 3, 000 reserve force so we have a force strong of 10, 000. That is what we envisage, and we will work on that space.”
Marape also clarified that the planned PNGDF build up is not for domestic deployment or mobilization.
“This is part of our work to protect our sovereignty, our external borders from the abuse of resources. We want our country to be secured in as borders are concerned by a well-resourced defence force and partnering with Australia in my considered view, gives us an opportunity to ramp up this space,” said the prime minister.
The aim is to resuscitate, rebuild and strengthen the PNGDF at the earliest, which PM Marape said is something Australia clearly understands regarding the strategic interest to build PNG defence force.
“This means if PNG is exposed in some place, then Australia’s capacity is there for us to lean on.”
This will be done through a request from PNG to Australia to assist, subject to their own constitutional process.
