Aust denies military base claims

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has put to rest any speculation that there will be an Australian military base set up in Papua New Guinea.
Marles was responding to news of Australia and PNG in talks about a bilateral security deal.
“The bilateral security deal that both countries are talking about is just looking into elevating all existing arrangements — to a treat level,” he said.
Marles who was in Port Moresby on a visit recently said it was appropriate given how close the two countries were in terms of relations and physical distance.
Canberra wants to do it quickly as defence is a strong part of the existing relationship between the two neighbours.
Marles said Australia hoped to work with PNG on creating more opportunities for officers to travel between the two countries for training and gaining experience.
They also hope to find more ways in which Australia can help build PNG’s capacity in terms of the military, maritime and aviation.
Marles noted that successive PNG defence ministers had raised the prospect of greater Australian support to help build PNG’s aviation capabilities as well.
Australia is keen on helping PNG do that, Marles said.