The Mutual Defence Treaty, the “Pukpuk Treaty”, has been finally signed after the Treaty was given the clearance by Cabinet last week despite some opposition from concerned Papua New Guineans of its implications on the country’s Constitution and sovereignty.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and his Australian counterpart, PM Anthony Albanese signed the Pukpuk Treaty at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia this morning.

The leaders were meant to sign the treaty during PM Albanese’s visit to PNG a few weeks ago, but it was delayed by PNG's 50th anniversary celebrations.

PM Marape earlier said the signing marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship.

“This agreement opens many doors for us and fine-tunes our relationship with Australia going forward into the next 50 years,” he said.

The Treaty, described by both governments as a “landmark agreement,” aims to strengthen defence cooperation while expanding collaboration across multiple sectors as well.

The treaty will now need to be ratified by parliaments in both countries for it to come into force.