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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Ben Doherty

‘Diplomatic knife fight’ over PNG enters new phase with deepening Australia defence deal

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese with Papua New Guinea prime minister, James Marape, at Parliament House in Canberra 2023.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese with Papua New Guinea prime minister, James Marape, at Parliament House in Canberra 2023. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years as an independent nation next month, the country will sign a defence treaty with Australia, binding it closer again to its former colonial overseer.

The treaty will allow Papua New Guinea nationals to gain Australian citizenship by serving in its defence forces, deepen defence cooperation, and give both countries’ militaries greater access to each other’s bases.

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