On May 22, in the capital Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed a defense and maritime surveillance agreement with this Pacific island nation.
 |
| US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Papua New Guinea Defense Minister Win Bakri Daki shake hands after signing a defense agreement, May 22. (Source: AFP) |
The agreement allows US forces to access Papua New Guinea’s airports and ports, and allows forces from both countries to train together. The two countries can also share technical expertise and conduct joint maritime patrols.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary of State Blinken emphasized: "The defense cooperation agreement was drafted by the United States and Papua New Guinea as equal and sovereign partners."
For his part, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape declared that his country is "upgrading from what was once a general relationship... to something specific with the United States."
According to the US State Department, the agreement will help strengthen security cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations, enhance the capacity of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, and contribute to ensuring stability and security in the region.
In addition, the US will provide $45 million to Papua New Guinea to provide defense equipment for the military, minimize the impact of climate change, and address transnational crime and HIV/AIDS.
US Secretary of State Blinken is visiting Papua New Guinea from May 21-22. He will also meet with leaders of Pacific Island nations, who are in Papua New Guinea for a forum with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Source
Comment (0)