**Albanese Government Secures Papua New Guinea Defense Treaty** Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has successfully finalized a landmark defense treaty with Papua New Guinea (PNG), despite earlier criticisms regarding the deal's delay. The treaty, known as the "pukpuk" agreement, marks Australia's first military alliance in over 70 years and is seen as a significant step in regional security strategy. The deal was initially met with skepticism when it appeared that Albanese had failed to secure the agreement during his recent visit to PNG. Critics, including opposition defense spokesperson Angus Taylor, labeled the situation a "serious foreign policy embarrassment". They questioned whether the government had been outmaneuvered or simply incompetent. However, it was later revealed that the delay was due to the PNG cabinet's inability to convene for the signing, as some members were celebrating the country's 50th independence anniversary. Confirmation came on Friday that the PNG government had approved the treaty, which is expected to be formally signed next week. The pukpuk treaty aims to enhance military cooperation between Australia and PNG, allowing for the integration of up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defense Force under dual arrangements. This strategic partnership is intended to counter China's influence in the region and strengthen Australia's security posture. Experts emphasize that while the treaty represents a significant achievement, there are still challenges ahead. They note the importance of establishing effective operational protocols between the two nations' military forces in the event of conflict. As Albanese prepares to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on October 20, the successful negotiation of the PNG treaty will serve as a demonstration of Australia's commitment to regional security without solely relying on U.S. support. In a broader context, Albanese's foreign policy initiatives have been gradually taking shape, with recent developments indicating a shift in Australia's stance on Palestinian statehood. Australia has joined other Western nations in blocking recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move that has drawn criticism from the Israeli government. This evolving diplomatic landscape suggests that both Albanese and Trump may find common ground in their foreign policy objectives, despite the complexities involved. Critics of Albanese's approach argue that he is attempting to balance relations with both China and the U.S., a task that may prove challenging. As the political climate continues to shift, the success of the PNG treaty could be a defining moment for Albanese's government, potentially influencing future diplomatic relations in the Pacific region and beyond.