The Defence Cooperation and the Ship Rider Agreements between the United States and Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been signed this evening amidst protests from the public and university students on it's implications to the country's constitution and sovereignty. US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken officially signed the Agreements with PNG Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki in front of Prime Minister James Marape, the PNG delegates and the US delegates at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the agreement will ensure greater cooperation between the two countries in terms of security and prosperity in the region as a whole. Mr. Blinken said in general that the US is deeply invested in the Indo- Pacific region and stands ready to assist pacific countries in their areas of need, including working together to address serious challenges. He said it is this commitment that resulted in the signing of the two Defence Agreements on Monday. "The defense cooperation agreement, drafted by Papua New Guinea and United States as equals and sovereign partners, will enhance PNG defence force capabilities to deliver humanitarian assistance, including to providing medical and temporary shelter to those who are affected by crisis." The Ship Rider Agreement on the other hand will allow PNG defence force and US Coast Guards to deepen cooperation to combat illicit maritime activities. "This including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which we know is destroying livelihoods and threatening marine ecosystems that nourish pacific island countries." Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape reiterated that the agreements do not have any implications to the country's constitution and sovereignty as per the concerns and outcry from sectors of the public. He said these agreements should benefit the country going forward and the people should embrace it.