1/31/2024 0 Comments Froq to png![]() To address this issue, negotiators agreed to adopt the structure of a “Framework Agreement” which, while still a legally binding document, provides the overarching framework for cooperative activities between the countries. This was in part because PNG has no existing legislation that provides for a comprehensive security pact such as that envisaged in the bilateral security agreement with Australia. Both parties entered discussions on the understanding that no laws should be changed to give effect to the envisaged cooperation. Under PNG’s Constitution, before a treaty may legally enter into force it must be ratified by parliament and given effect through domestic law. While this seems like trivial preferences to terminology, the use of the term “treaty” would have entailed constitutional implications on the part of PNG. The security agreement stems from the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership signed between Australia and PNG in 2020, which called for the countries to develop a bilateral security treaty. In negotiations, the preliminary issue to overcome was whether to refer to the arrangement as a “Treaty” or “Framework Agreement”. What follows is a brief insight from a technical perspective into the intended operation of the agreement, in attempting to address these contentious issues from where I sat, on the PNG side at the negotiation table. The signed text reflects a balance that was struck through almost a year of formal negotiations to address the concerns of both parties, ranging from respect of sovereignty and recognition of PNG as a security partner in the Pacific, to the removal of language that may be seen as favourable or exclusionary towards other potential security partners. The agreement with Australia, however, is the first document entered into by PNG that looks to foster “comprehensive security cooperation”, which will address not only traditional security threats, but also non-traditional security concerns including cyber-security, climate change, critical infrastructure and gender-based violence.īoth countries share a deep history from Australia’s colonial administration, the Second World War, and present-day assistance, with PNG being Australia’s largest donor funding recipient. With geopolitical interest increasing in the region, this landmark agreement adds to the growing list of bilateral security arrangements PNG has signed with other partners (including the United States, United Kingdom and France) across the past year. ![]() Known formally as the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations, it was signed in Canberra on 7 December. ![]() The leaders of Australia and Papua New Guinea put pen to paper on a bilateral security agreement this month. ![]()
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