Australia and its nearest neighbour are set to sign a significant defence treaty as seasoned observers wait to discover whether it will deliver a "holy grail".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Port Moresby on Monday to attend Papua New Guinea's Golden Jubilee celebrations and finalise a defence agreement with counterpart James Marape.

The deal will enable PNG nationals to serve in Australia's defence force with the same pay as other members and start a pathway to citizenship.

Details are yet to be revealed, including whether both countries would be compelled to consult one another if they faced a security threat, similar to NATO's Article Four clause.

Mr Albanese emphasised the two nations were expanding their partnership as equals and had the same vision for a stable and

See Full Page