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Australia will gain access to the Papua New Guinean military facilities and soldiers under a freshly signed deal that will see both nations provide mutual defense if an armed conflict occurs.

“Australia remains our preferred security ally, and this is understood... Our broader relationships remain intact,” stated the nation's head of state.

The security treaty will permit as many as 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to serve in the nation's armed forces. They will also have the choice to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Agreement Specifics

Referred to as the Pukpuk Pact (signifying "this reptile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the most recent in a succession of treaties forged by countries in the Pacific and countries seeking a defence footprint in the area.

This agreement possesses significant force and, similar to the crocodile, its impact highlights the joint capability and preparedness of the military for conflict.

Hostile action on either country would be “dangerous to the other's peace and security” so the two are to “act to meet the common danger”.

Expanded Cooperation

The deal also included expanded partnership around online security and electronic combat.

Earlier, the national security leader indicated that the deal would mean that the military units of both nations would be “totally integrated”.

• To begin with, to curb foreign presence in the nation by making certain it does not have the same level of access to resources.
• Furthermore, to address Australia's recent challenges building defence numbers.
• Finally, the deal also demonstrates a stance to international actors.

The advantages of the agreement were comprising several aspects, as stated by a defence analyst.

“PNG has an oversupply of able-bodied citizens who are willing to do this kind of work,” it was explained, noting that many people would be attracted by the prospects of residing in the country and possibly securing permanent status.

Area Impact

This agreement is a component of a termed centralized security framework of security agreements in the region – with the nation at the centre and regional countries being the allies.

There are concerns that the agreement undermines PNG's non-aligned international approach by associating PNG with Australia on every defence issue.

Both sides need more precise understanding on the foreseen results, duties and pledges.

This agreement also included regular collaborative training which were about “communicating intent,” to “highlight joint defence capacity and swift mobilization against outside risks”.

This treaty would help update the nation's military, bringing a significant boost in both material and morale.