It is just Australia's fourth formal treaty, after the US, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and the first for Fiji. Everything we do will also be aimed at supporting our Pacific region." Both countries would need to formally ratify the alliance in their respective parliaments for it to come into effect. Pacific countries have been negotiating for a potential region-wide agreement at summits ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in September. Embracing Pacific leadership and backing initiatives that make our region safer, more prosperous and more resilient," she said.