PNG, Australia and Indonesia Launch Trilateral Defence Talks
Papua New Guinea has joined Australia and Indonesia in a historic trilateral Defence ministers’ meeting, signalling a major step toward strengthening regional security cooperation. The gathering, held yesterday, marked the first time the three neighbours sat together in this format.
PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph said the engagement opens new pathways for deeper trust and coordinated action on issues such as border control, maritime security, disaster response and Defence capability development. He said the three nations share geographic, cultural and strategic ties that make collaboration essential.
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| PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph |
“Our security and prosperity are intertwined, and it is therefore essential that we come together in the spirit of cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect,” he said.
Joseph noted that recent developments, including Indonesia and Australia signing a new common security treaty on Nov 12, reflected a broader understanding that the region’s growing security challenges cannot be managed individually.
He said the discussions among the three countries would help build a defence partnership grounded in transparency and shared responsibility. “Let this meeting be the first of many, and let it signify our joint commitment to shaping a safer and more secure region for our people,” he said.
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles described the meeting as an important milestone, acknowledging the trust and agreements built in recent months. “We clearly share a region, and we also have excellent personal relations between the three ministers here, deep strategic trust between our three countries that is reflected in the agreements which have signed over the course of the last couple of months,” he said.
Indonesia’s Defence Minister Dr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin agreed that the talks set the foundation for stronger cooperation. “I firmly believe that this first Trilateral Defence Ministers’ meeting will serve as a milestone and a stronger defence dialogue, enhancing practical cooperation and contributing meaningfully to the security of the state of our region,” he said.
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