Australia and Papua New Guinea are to sign a defense pact, allowing PNG citizens to serve in Australia's military.

Australia and Papua New Guinea are to strengthen their security ties with a new defense agreement during Australian PM Anthony Albanese's visit to celebrate PNG's 50th independence anniversary. The pact allows PNG citizens to serve in Australia's military, with pathways to citizenship and equal pay. Recruitment will be managed to avoid draining PNG's military. The deal underscores Australia's efforts to bolster ties with Pacific nations amid competition from China. Australia has also invested $600 million in an NRL team for PNG.