Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementBut asked if the agreement would be definitely finalised next week, Defence Minister Richard Marles wouldn't be drawn. "This is going to happen imminently," Mr Marles said. The defence pact with PNG is aimed at shoring up Australia's influence in the Pacific. The defence minister is now in Fiji, another Pacific country where Australia hopes to improve military ties. Mr Marles will meet his counterpart Pio Tikoduadua and open a new maritime facility, alongside Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.