A security treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea has been delayed as the final details are nutted out.
The two nations were scheduled to conclude negotiations in April and have the pact signed in June.
The pact would enable closer co-operation between the two defence forces.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the treaty had been held up by "domestic processes and sovereign laws in relation to certain wordings and provisions".
"He also conveyed his apologies to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the delay in formalising this proposed treaty with Australia," his office said in a statement.
Mr Marape met Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles on the sidelines of the Korean-Pacific islands leaders summit in Seoul.
Mr Marape's office said he assured Mr Marles PNG "in no way would compromise its excellent existing bilateral relations with Australia" and the Pacific nation was capable of handling its affairs on its own terms.
A spokeswoman for Mr Marles said the pair discussed progressing the partnership, including on defence, security, visa processing and labour mobility.
"Australia and Papua New Guinea share a mutual strategic interest in a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific," the spokeswoman said.
"We have a proud history of working together in the interests of the region."
It comes after PNG signed a defence pact with the United States, which was met with protests from university students and domestic opposition politicians questioning what the deal would mean for the island nation's "friends to all" foreign policy.
Mr Marape has sought to quell criticisms over a lack of transparency and concerns his nation could be embroiled in a competition between the US and China by committing to releasing the full wording of all defence agreements.
The Australian government has welcomed increased American ties in the region.
