AUSTRALIA AND PNG SIGN PUKPUK TREATY:

* Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape signed the Pukpuk treaty at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday

* It elevates the relationship to an alliance, committing each nation to help the other in the event of an armed attack

* The treaty prevents either nation from entering into an agreement with a third party that could undermine this, effectively locking China out of any defence of security partnership

* Mr Marape denied the pact was in response to geopolitical tensions in the region, saying it was born out of necessity to defend his country, which was vulnerable in the event of an attack or hostilities

* Citizens from both nations will be able to serve in the other's military, with the PNG leader saying up to 1

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