Anthony Albanese had hoped to sign the defence deal when he visited PNG in September. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS

Government officials are striking a cautious tone as they prepare to ink a major military treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

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The PNG government's cabinet has signed off on the Pukpuk agreement, which will see both countries come to the aid of the other in the event of a military attack.

The island nation's leader James Marape will join Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for Sunday's NRL grand final, and is widely tipped to sign the deal while he's in Australi

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