Geelong: Australia announced the signing of a long-term treaty with the UK on Saturday to enhance collaboration under the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership. The agreement was formalized by Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and UK Defense Secretary John Healey in Geelong, Victoria, setting the stage for 50 years of cooperation between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Geelong Treaty establishes a framework for extensive collaboration in areas such as designing, building, operating, sustaining, and disposing of the SSN-AUKUS submarines. It also involves developing the necessary personnel, infrastructure, and systems to support the program. Marles emphasized the importance of the UK-Australia relationship in maintaining both regional and global security.

The AUKUS pact, initially signed in September 2021 by the US, UK, and Australia, aims to provide Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines for its Royal Australian Navy. This new treaty marks a significant step forward in the partnership, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to the AUKUS initiative.

As part of the ongoing developments, US President Donald Trump initiated a review of the A$368 billion ($247 billion) AUKUS pact in June to ensure it aligns with his 'America First' policy priorities. Meanwhile, on Friday, the UK and Australia agreed to sign a new bilateral pact during a meeting of foreign and defense ministers in Sydney, further solidifying their commitment to this strategic alliance.