James Marape's cabinet approved a PNG-Australia defence pact - a move welcomed by Anthony Albanese. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS

Papua New Guinea's leader has assured his nation it is safe, secure and prepared to protect its people and borders after ticking off a mutual defence treaty with Australia.

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The Pukpuk treaty, named after the local word for crocodile, includes a mutual defence pact that commits each nation to helping the other in the event of an armed attack.

Prime Minister James Marape said as many as 10,000 PNG citizens could serve in the Australian Defence Force as p

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