00:00It's a project that's been years in the making, first committed to in 2018 and now finally coming to fruition.
00:09At a cost of $170 million, the major upgrade to this naval base includes deepwater berthing and refuelling capabilities for Guardian class patrol boats, a medical centre and accommodation for 200 personnel.
00:23Today, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is officially handing over the new facility to the PNG Defence Force accompanied by PNG Prime Minister James Narape and Defence Minister Billy Joseph.
00:35Australia also gifted 12 new armoured land cruisers to PNG worth $3 million.
00:41The investment is designed to signal growing ties between the nations at a time of increasing geostrategic competition in the Pacific.
00:49It comes as Australia and PNG close in on a new defence treaty that will be signed in the lead up to PNG's 50th anniversary of independence next month.
00:59Part of that treaty involves a pathway for Papua New Guineans to serve in the ADF, but leaders say more details will be revealed in coming weeks.
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