Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a major security agreement that will place Australian police in the Pacific nation.
Speaking to reporters alongside Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape in Canberra on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the deal as a “significant and historic” agreement between two countries with already close relations.
The new deal cements Australia’s role in Papua New Guinea’s policing, judiciary and defense. Australia has pledged 200 million Australian dollars ($130 million) to support the initiatives, including a training center for police recruits.
While the deal does not preclude Papua New Guinea from signing pacts with other nations, both countries agreed to consult with one another on security threats.
Marape said Papua New Guinea’s judiciary, public service and borders were established by Australia before the country became an independent nation 48 years ago.
The deal comes in the wake of a US security agreement with Papua New Guinea signed in May which included upgrades to local military bases.
Credit: cnn.com
