Anthony Albanese says Australia and PNG are expanding their partnership as equals. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS

Australia and Papua New Guinea are to sign a major defence treaty that could trigger mutual support in case of conflict and "integrate" forces either side of the Torres Strait.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Port Moresby on Monday to attend PNG's celebration of 50 years of independence and finalise the defence agreement with counterpart James Marape.

Experts are waiting to find out if the treaty will deliver a "holy grail" of security partnerships in the

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