Australia Plans Naval Base on Manus Island

Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the Lombrum Joint Initiative, with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to develop a naval base on Manus Island. Last November at the APEC Leaders Summit in PNG, the US had also shown the interest in joining the initiative.

PNG's Defence Secretary Trevor Meauri said the MoU would help guide the collaboration between the PNG and Australia to redevelop facilities at Manus Lombrum naval base. Meauri said the initiative will increase interoperability between the two defence forces and provide greater opportunities for training and joint activities. "It will also enhance PNG Defence Force capability to protect PNG's borders and maritime resources through a broad program of mentoring, tailored training and infrastructure development."

Meauri said PNG had recently acquired the Pacific Guardian class patrol boats for their navy. "We have to upgrade our facilities to accommodate these bigger modern boats. That is what we will do under this MoU in Lombrum."