Although the back-to-back Defence Agreement as well as Ship Rider Agreement was signed on the 22nd of May, 2023, several parliamentarians are against the idea.
Former Prime Minister and Member for Ialibu-Pangia, Peter O’Neill, for instance stated that there was nothing wrong with the agreement however not much value towards the country was seen in the agreement.
“These are very strong words were used in the agreement and they’ve got very specific meaning. He asked whether or not the agreement will build the Defense Force, Navy, and help build the Air force.”