The Latest Breaking News from PNG

Blinken says defence and maritime surveillance pact was signed by both countries ‘as equals and sovereign partners’.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a defence cooperation pact signed with Papua New Guinea on Monday would expand the Pacific island nation's capabilities and make it easier for the U.S. military to train with its forces.

U.S. President Joe Biden telephoned his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape on Thursday after cancelling a historic meeting in the Pacific islands nation to tell him Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in his place, the two leaders said.

The former owner of the Northern Queensland Fury football club, Don Matheson, is now at the centre of a joint investigation between Papua New Guinea police, Interpol, and Australian authorities.

U.S. President Joe Biden will arrange another summit of Pacific island leaders this year after the disappointment caused by his cancellation of a visit to Papua New Guinea due to the domestic debt ceiling crisis, his national security adviser said on Wednesday.

Joe Biden’s decision to pull out of visits to Australia and PNG will reflect poorly on the US amid growing competition for influence in the region

After six months of preparation in Port Moresby, the President cut short his trip in order to focus on debt limit talks in Washington

Tribal fighting has long been a persistent and devastating part of life in the PNG highlands – but the introduction of high-powered weapons, money and politics has taken things to a destructive new level. ABC presenter Hilda Wayne visited the highlands to speak to those affected.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said that the United States had been a "silent" security partner to his nation but that a defence cooperation pact to be signed when Joe Biden arrives Monday will see Washington "stepping out".