Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Port Moresby this week for an inaugural Trilateral Defence Ministers' Meeting with Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph, and Indonesian Minister of Defense, Dr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
Defence Ministers from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia agreed to establish an annual meeting to enable closer cooperation on shared security challenges.
The meeting also builds on long-standing bilateral defence engagements and reflects our mutual commitment to a secure, sovereign and resilient Indo-Pacific.
During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will also turn the sod for a new accommodation block at the Goldie River Training Depot.
Australia and PNG will upgrade these vital facilities to deliver new accommodation and essential services for up to 200 additional PNG Defence Force trainees.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"I look forward to meeting with Minister Sjafrie and Minister Joseph for the inaugural Trilateral Defence Ministers' Meeting tomorrow.
"This meeting marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to regional peace and security.
"Our trilateral partnership is built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a collective vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
"During the visit, I also look forward to building on the momentum of the recently signed Pukpuk Treaty - as we work together to support the growth and development of the PNG Defence Force."
