Fiji, Oct. 21 -- Australia and Papua New Guinea have moved to deepen their strategic alliance, announcing major defence, education, and humanitarian commitments at the 31st Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum held in Canberra.

Australian Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the forum marked a significant milestone, being the first since both countries formalised their Alliance Agreement two weeks ago.

"Today is a very significant meeting, because it comes two weeks to the day after our two countries signed an Alliance. Today will be the first Ministerial Forum of new allied partners," Marles said.

He announced that Papua New Guineans with permanent residency in Australia will be eligible to join the Australian...