Australia finalizing a new security treaty

Wellington, The Gulf Observer: The leaders of Australia and neighboring Papua New Guinea said Thursday they are finalizing a new security treaty.

Australia and PNG haven’t yet released details of their planned new treaty, but Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it would be based on the deep trust between the two nations.

He said the people of Papua New Guinea showed heroism and humanity during World War II battles.

“In the years ahead, Australia and Papua New Guinea have a chance to honor our shared history of service in the cause of peace — by adding to it,” Albanese said. “Deepening our defense ties and enhancing our national security cooperation, and achieving a swift conclusion to negotiations on a Bilateral Security Treaty.”

Albanese made the remarks during an historic address to the Papua New Guinea Parliament, the first such address by a foreign leader since the nation of 10 million gained independence in 1975.

“Australia and Papua New Guinea are the closest of neighbors, we are the greatest of friends,” Albanese said.

In response, PNG Prime Minister James Marape welcomed Albanese and said the two leaders would meet later Thursday to fine tune their relationship, including “support for the law and justice sector, including police, military exchanges.”

Albanese said he wanted to enhance trade between the two countries “in everything from coffee and cocoa to fisheries and tourism,” and to work with PNG on nation-building projects including upgrading ports, roads and digital infrastructure.

Last month, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with her counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing for a new round of long-suspended China-Australia talks on foreign and strategic issues.