Labor cautious on timing of PNG defence deal

Government officials hit a careful tone as they are preparing to prepare for a large military treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The PNG government’s cabinet signed at the PUKPUK Agreement, which will see that both countries have come to the aid of the other in the case of military attack.

James Marape, the leader of the island country, will join the Prime Minister Anthony Arnavut for the NRL Grand Final of Sunday and will be widely activated to sign the agreement while in Australia.

However, when the agreement would be finalized next week, Defense Minister Richard Marles would not be withdrawn.

“Let’s see how everything develops. I just don’t want to avoid all of them.” He said.

“This will get closer,” Mr. Marles said.

In a statement on Thursday, the Mr. Marape confirmed that the government has given the Green Light Agreement and announced that up to 10,000 PNG citizens could serve in the Australian army under the agreement.

“This reflects the depth of the trust, history and the future of the shared future between our two nations,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Arbanese hoped to sign the agreement when he went to the PNG in September, but the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations meant that the members of the cabinet of Mr. Marape could not officially come together to approve.

PACT aims to support the influence of Australia in the hot -debated Pacific region, as China is trying to make similar agreements with other island countries.

“What is reflected by the treaty, Australia and PNG’s security, they see that the security of each other and PNG’s point of view is the preferred natural security partner of Australia.” He said.

Defense Minister is now in Fiji, another Pacific country that Australia hopes to develop military ties.

Mr. Marles will meet with its counterpart Pio Tikoduadua and open a new marine facility as well as Fiji Prime Minister Citiven Rabuka.