# Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-papua-new-guinea-bilateral-relations > Updated: 2026-10-21T02:25:15.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Australia and Papua New Guinea are expanding cooperation across defense, technology, and diplomatic sectors. Following the Pukpuk Treaty defense alliance signed in October 2025, the Australian government announced a pilot program starting in mid-November 2026 to recruit eligible Papua New Guinean citizens into the Australian Defence Force. The program targets up to 100 university students and recent graduates in Port Moresby and Lae. In addition to defense, the two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the 32nd PNG-Australia Ministerial Forum to enhance cooperation in telecommunications and digital critical technologies. Diplomatic discussions also addressed regional stability regarding Bougainville’s independence, with Australia stating that the issue must be resolved through negotiations between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, officials discussed immigration and visa arrangements, noting that Papua New Guinea receives the largest cohort of Pacific Engagement Visas in the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Australia and Papua New Guinea strengthen diplomatic and ICT ties Australia and Papua New Guinea signed an ICT partnership MoU in Port Moresby and discussed Bougainville’s independence and enhanced visa arrangements for Papua New Guineans. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-and-papua-new-guinea-strengthen-diplomatic-and-ict-ties ### 2026-10-20: Australia expands military recruitment to Papua New Guineans Australia is launching a pilot program allowing up to 100 Papua New Guinean citizens to apply for the Australian Defence Force, strengthening the bilateral Pukpuk Treaty defense alliance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-expands-military-recruitment-to-papua-new-guineans --- Cite as: Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-papua-new-guinea-bilateral-relations