US and Papua New Guinea sign Defence Cooperation Agreements
Papua New Guinea will now benefit from two historic Military enhancement and Maritime Surveillance agreements.
This follows the signing of the Defence Cooperation Agreement and the Shiprider Agreement on Monday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence Win Bakri Daki inked on paper their credentials, signifying the start of more US assistance in terms of military support and addressing illegal fishing and other maritime security issues.
This is despite students and civil society protesting against the agreements earlier today calling on the government to allow for public scrutiny and transparency before the signing.
Prime Minister James Marape says both agreements are good for the country and will grow the economy including protecting the nation's sovereignty going forward.
US Secretary of State Bliken says PNG plays a more strategic avenue for the US hence the agreements will enhance both PNG's military and maritime capabilities.
The event was witnessed by US state officials including senior cabinet ministers from PNG the US.
NBC news / PNG Today
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