Australia and Papua New Guinea will agree to defend each other in the event of a military attack, part of a landmark defence agreement due to be signed on the sidelines of celebrations to commemorate the country’s independence this week.

Anthony Albanese and PNG’s defence minister, Billy Joseph, both downplayed a delay to the deal being formalised, insisting the plan known as a Pukpuk treaty won’t affect sovereignty in the former Australian colony.

Designed to pushback on China’s expansionist attitude to Pacific countries, the deal is the latest negotiated by the Albanese government with regional neighbours.

The cabinet of PNG’s prime minister, James Marape , had been due to sign off on the deal on Monday night, but fell short of the required quorum of members due to independence ce

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