Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea have signed a landmark police cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening regional security and tackling the growing threat of organised transnational crime across the Pacific.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), known as the Kumul Vanua Police Cooperation Framework, was signed on Monday, establishing a new chapter of cooperation between the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
The agreement comes as Pacific nations face increasing challenges from organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, financial crime, illegal firearms and other cross-border offences.
Speaking during the signing, Vanuatu’s Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat described the agreement as more than a policing partnership.
“This agreement provides a comprehensive framework for enhanced cooperation between the Vanuatu Police Force and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in areas including intelligence sharing, criminal investigations, specialised policing, leadership development, capacity building, operational planning, technical cooperation, forensic support, training exchanges and professional development.”
He said the framework also strengthens the longstanding friendship between the two Melanesian countries.
“More importantly, this Memorandum of Understanding charts a course of friendship built on history into an operational focus and into our future.”
Ten initiatives to strengthen policing
The Kumul Vanua framework outlines ten key initiatives designed to improve cooperation between the two police forces.
They include:
- Recruit Training Cooperation
The Ministers agreed to strengthen police recruit training cooperation through the placement of up to 200 Vanuatu Police Force recruits within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary training programmes.
The training will be conducted in cadres of 50 recruits at a time, with the first intake scheduled to commence in November 2026. This initiative will contribute significantly to the professional development and operational readiness of Vanuatu Police Force personnel while promoting enduring institutional links between the two police services. - Cadet Officer Training Pathway
The ministers welcome the establishment of a pathway for the development of commissioned officers through the RPNGC Cadet Officer Training Programme.
Under this arrangement, 10 positions will be made available for members of the Vanuatu Police Force in January 2027 cadet intake, supporting the development of future leaders and enhancing management and command capability within the VPF. - Transnational Crime Unit Secondments
Recognising the growing threat posed by cross-border criminal activities, the Ministers agreed to the reciprocal secondment of personnel from the respective Transnational Crime Units of the RPNGC and VPF.
These exchanges will strengthen operational relationships, facilitate intelligence-led policing, and enhance information sharing and cooperation in the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of transnational crime. - Joint Operations Centre Secondments
The Ministers endorsed the exchange of personnel between the operational command and coordination centres of both police and organisations.
These secondments will support capacity development in operational planning, incident management, intelligence coordination and command functions, particularly in preparation for and response to events of national significance and major security operations. - Emerging Leaders Development Programme
The Ministers agreed to establish leadership exchange opportunities between provincial commanders and senior leaders of the RPNGC and regional commanders and emerging leaders within the VPF.
The programme will provide valuable professional exposure, leadership mentoring and practical experience in strategic policing and organisational management, contributing to the development of the next generation of policing leaders in both countries. - Police College Instructor Exchange
The Ministers welcomed the creation of an instructor exchange programme between police training institutions in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
The initiative will support curriculum development, instructional excellence, modern training methodologies, and the sharing of best practices in police education to ensure that training remains responsive to contemporary policing challenges. - Transnational Crime Intelligence and Information Sharing
The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening intelligence cooperation between the RPNGC and VPF.
Both police organisations will work to enhance the timely exchange of criminal intelligence, operational information and analytical products relating to transnational and serious organised crime threats, consistent with national legislation and agreed protocols. - Development of Procedures for Joint and Coordinated Operations
The Ministers agreed to support the development of mutually agreed procedures, frameworks and protocols to facilitate joint and coordinated law enforcement operations where appropriate.
These procedures will improve interoperability, operational effectiveness, communication and coordination between the two police services in responding to shared security threats and cross-border criminal activity. - Forensics Training and Capability Enhancement
The Ministers welcomed enhanced cooperation in forensic science, criminal investigations and evidentiary practices.
This will include training opportunities, technical exchanges, mentoring and capability development aimed at strengthening forensic expertise, improving investigative outcomes and supporting the effective prosecution of criminal offences. - Commitment to the Completion of the Vanuatu Police College
The Ministers affirmed their commitment to the completion of the Vanuatu Police College and recognised the importance of the facility in supporting the long-term development, professionalism, and operational capability of the Vanuatu Police Force.
The Ministers committed to continued cooperation and support to ensure the college serves as a centre for the police training, leadership development, and regional policing partnerships in the Pacific.
Growing regional security concerns
Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Police, Sir John Pundari, said the agreement reflects the growing need for Pacific countries to work together against organised crime.
“The security challenges facing our region are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected.”
He said criminal organisations involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, financial crime and illegal firearms do not respect national borders.
“No single police force can address these challenges alone. Strong partnerships and trusted professional relationships are essential.”
Melanesian partnership strengthened
Sir John said closer intelligence sharing between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu would strengthen both countries’ ability to combat organised criminal syndicates operating across the region.
“When it comes to intelligence sharing between our two countries and the transnational criminal syndicates we face, this partnership will help us work together.”
The Kumul Vanua Police Cooperation Framework builds on the longstanding relationship between the two Melanesian nations while providing a practical roadmap for stronger policing cooperation, intelligence sharing, leadership development and regional security.
