Australia, Papua New Guinea delay mutual defense treaty

Australia and Papua New Guinea fail to sign a long-awaited mutual defense treaty, with the two country's leaders instead announcing a joint communique and pledging to continue negotiations on the wider pact.

During a joint press conference on Wednesday in Port Moresby, Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the signing would take place "following cabinet processes in both countries".  The two sides agreed to "strengthening and expanding defense cooperation through enhanced capability, interoperability and integration", the statement said.