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The Australian nation will gain access to PNG's defence infrastructure and personnel under a freshly signed deal that will ensure each government support one another if an armed conflict occurs.

“Australia remains our preferred security ally, and this is understood... Our broader relationships remain intact,” said the Papua New Guinea leader.

The security treaty will permit as many as 10,000 nationals of Papua New Guinea to join the Australian Defence Force. They will also have the opportunity to gain permanent residency in Australia.

Agreement Specifics

Known as the Crocodile Agreement (meaning "this reptile" in Papua New Guinean pidgin), the two-nation deal is the latest in a series of agreements forged by regional states and nations vying for a defence footprint in the region.

The pact can deliver a strong response and, in the manner of this predator, its impact demonstrates the joint capability and preparedness of the defence units for conflict.

A military assault on either country would be “a threat to the partner's stability” so both should “respond to the shared threat”.

Expanded Cooperation

The pact also encompassed greater collaboration around digital domains and electronic combat.

Previously, the national security leader noted that the deal would mean that defence personnel from each country would be “totally integrated”.

• To begin with, to limit foreign presence in the nation by ensuring it does not have the comparable reach to infrastructure.
• Additionally, to resolve the nation's recent struggles enlisting new personnel.
• Lastly, the deal also demonstrates a stance to international actors.

The benefits of the deal were multi-faceted, per analysis from a regional security expert.

“Papua New Guinea possesses numerous capable nationals eager for these opportunities,” the expert noted, adding that numerous individuals would be interested in the possibilities of moving to Australia and possibly securing permanent status.

Pacific Consequences

The deal is a component of a termed core-and-periphery system of security agreements in the Pacific – with Australia at the centre and Pacific states being the spokes.

Questions have emerged that the agreement may compromise the nation's inclusive and neutral foreign policy position by associating PNG with its partner on all security matters.

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

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

This treaty would help enhance the defence force, bringing a significant boost in both material and confidence.