Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Papua New Guinea to officially open His Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Naval Base Tarangau, also known as Lombrum Naval Base, providing an uplift to PNG’s maritime security and border protection capabilities.

“Australia deeply values our relationship with Papua New Guinea as close neighbours, partners and friends,” Marles said.

During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with PNG leaders and counterparts in Port Moresby as part of Australia’s deepening Defence relationship with PNG.

“Our shared geography, history and security interests make Papua New Guinea and Australia natural partners.”

He will also be officially handing over 12 up-armoured Land Cruisers to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) at Murray Barracks, enhancing Papua New Guinea’s ability to respond to domestic security challenges and demonstrating the strength of our defence ties.