The United States and Papua New Guinea signed a security agreement that includes giving U.S. forces access to the Pacific nation’s waters and ports.

The agreement comes amid a U.S. focus on the region and concern about China’s influence.

“The Defense Cooperation Agreement, drafted by Papua New Guinea and the United States as equal and sovereign partners, will enhance the PNG’s Defense Force’s capability to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including through providing medical care and temporary shelter to those who are affected by crises,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a signing ceremony in Port Moseby.

“The agreement will also make it easy for PNG and U.S. forces to train together in new ways and in more places as part of our joint effort to uphold peace and security across the Indo-Pacific.”

Blinken said another pact signed Monday will allow Papua New Guinea forces and the U.S. Coast Guard to cooperate on countering “illicit maritime activities, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.”

“Under this agreement, our forces will be able to board one another’s vessels, share technical expertise, and ultimately better patrol the seas together,” Blinken said.

Blinken visited Papua New Guinea in place of U.S. President Joe Biden, who canceled what would have been the first visit by a sitting U.S. leader to a Pacific Island country because of ongoing negotiations to avert a debt crisis at home. [VOA/JS]