NEW Zealand and Papua New Guinea have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at deepening military ties, including more dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges.
PNG Defence Minister Elias Kapavore and his New Zealand counterpart, Chris Penk, signed a Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation 2026-2029 on Wednesday, supporting a broader Statement of Partnership signed last year to reaffirm security, defence and economic links.
“In an increasingly volatile world, Pacific nations like ours are stronger when we work closely together to respond to the complex security challenges affecting our region,” Penk said.
He said the agreement would “further deepen our cooperation and engagement” through expanded defence dialogue and practical military cooperation.
The deal comes as Pacific countries seek to strengthen regional security arrangements amid growing geopolitical competition and concerns over instability, climate-driven disasters and maritime security across the region.
Penk is also in Papua New Guinea to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministers Meeting, where he said New Zealand wants to remain an “active and constructive partner” in digital transformation and cybersecurity.
“As digital technologies become increasingly central to the security and prosperity of the Pacific region, New Zealand is focused on remaining an active and constructive partner, driving digital transformation, boosting economic growth and strengthening cybersecurity,” he said.
He added that New Zealand was committed to Pacific regional cooperation and said the country would host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027.
The ICT ministers meeting is a newly established part of the Pacific Islands Forum framework, bringing together technology leaders from across the region to shape policy on digital transformation and emerging technologies.
