PNG MOU

MOU Between Papua New Guinea and Australia Relating to Cyber Security Cooperation

The Government of Papua New Guinea and the Government of Australia (the Participants) are committed to strengthening their enduring economic and security partnership. In the short term, cooperation will contribute towards a safe and successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and in the longer term enhance Papua New Guinea's economy and security.

The Participants, wishing to reflect their desire to promote peace and stability in cyberspace, reduce the risk of cybercrime and maximise opportunities for economic growth and prosperity through digital trade, have come to the following Memorandum of Understanding (the MOU) in relation to cyber security cooperation.

Increasing connectivity in the region is a force for significant social and economic development and inclusion. However, increased connectivity also has the potential to expose the region to increased threats from malicious (government and non-government) cyber actors.

The number, type and sophistication of cyber security threats to Papua New Guinea, Australia and the region are increasing. The global nature of cyberspace means we must engage internationally to advance and protect our shared interests. Partnerships between governments are indispensable to safely realising the full potential of the digital age. The Participants acknowledge the importance of working together to foster a strong and resilient cyber security environment.

Papua New Guinea as the 2018 host of APEC recognises the cyber security challenges arising from a large event such as APEC, as well as the opportunities for increased growth and prosperity through digital trade. This is consistent with its chosen theme of 'Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future'.

Australia is committed to support Papua New Guinea through a sustained partnership on cyber security beyond this APEC year. The Participants will work closely together to enhance Papua New Guinea's cyber security capabilities, including to improve Papua New Guinea's capacity to detect and address cyber threats and respond to cyber incidents.

Objectives

  1. The Participants are committed to strengthening cyber cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea and maintaining a strong cyber security relationship.
  2. The shared objective of this activity is to enhance Papua New Guinea's economy and security through strengthened cyber security capabilities and cyber resilience for APEC and beyond.

Guiding Principles

  1. The Participants are committed to developing an enhanced economic and security partnership that supports the development objectives of the Government of Papua New Guinea.
  2. The Participants will work together collaboratively and collegiately in activities relating to cyber security.

Joint Cyber Security Initiatives

  1. The Participants will work together to achieve the objectives of this MOU through the:

    1. development of cyber security governance frameworks, including baseline best-practice cyber security guidance
    2. implementation of cyber security controls in priority new and existing ICT infrastructure
    3. establishment of a Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) to monitor threats and controls, and
    4. enhancement of Papua New Guinea's newly established Computer Emergency Response Team (PNG CERT).

Funding Contributions

  1. The Government of Australia will help fund these initiatives. The Government of Papua New Guinea will have part funding responsibility from 1 July 2019 and full responsibility by 30 June 2022.

Operation of this Memorandum of Understanding

  1. The Participants will mutually determine administrative measures giving effect to this MOU. This MOU does not affect any agreements or arrangements that are already in effect. The Participants may jointly determine that further agreements or arrangements are necessary to give effect to the objectives of this MOU.
  2. This MOU embodies the understandings of the Participants and does not create legally binding rights or obligations.
  3. Communications concerning the day-to-day operation of activities undertaken in accordance with this MOU will be between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Papua New Guinea's National Information and Communications Technology Authority.
  4. This MOU will come into effect on the date of signature by both Participants and will remain in effect until 30 June 2022, unless earlier terminated by mutual consent.
  5. The Participants may jointly decide to vary this MOU in writing by an exchange of letters.

Settlement of Disputes

  1. Any dispute arising with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this MOU will be settled amicably through consultation between the Participants.

(signed)
For the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

(signed)
For the Commonwealth of Australia

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