Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles hosted Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph for the 2025 Australia-Papua New Guinea Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Brisbane.
The two Ministers reaffirmed the defence relationship as a key pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership between Australia and PNG, and discussed an ambitious agenda to modernise our longstanding defence partnership.
Building on this unique history and closeness, Ministers announced their shared commitment to negotiate a bilateral defence treaty.
The Treaty would build on the historic Australia-PNG Bilateral Security Agreement signed by Prime Ministers Marape and Albanese in 2023, which provides the overarching framework for cooperation between Australia and PNG across all areas of security.
“I would like to acknowledge my friend and counterpart, Dr Billy Joseph, for his vision and ambition for our defence partnership,” Deputy Prime Minister Marles said.
“I look forward to strengthening our defence relationship through a new defence treaty.”
Recognising the growing capabilities of the PNG Defence Force, Ministers agreed PNG would host a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2025.
Ministers agreed this proposal is an important demonstration of the deepening integration between the PNG and Australian Defence Forces, adding to the existing array of joint and multilateral exercises both nations share.
“Our defence relationship was born out of conflict in the Pacific,” Minister Dr Joseph said.
“It is fitting we pursue a defence treaty, based on the enduring nature of our defence relationship,”
“I want to thank DPM Marles for the opportunity to host a component of Exercise Talisman Sabre this year.”
“This is a natural progression and maturing of our defence relationship.”
Ministers looked forward to marking PNG’s upcoming 50th anniversary of Independence and continuing to build a defence partnership for the future.
