Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says the entry of Wallis and Futuna in the Polynesian Leaders Group makes it the largest sub-group in the Pacific Islands Forum.
Samoa PM, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
He told media this means more cooperation in all areas of development between Polynesian countries.
Other members of the PLG are French Polynesia, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, Niue, American Samoa and Tokelau, while Easter Island and Hawai'i attend as observers.
One area where countries will start cooperating is the proposed regional submarine cable, Manatua, which is being driven by Samoa.
The cable aims to position Polynesia as a key player in the digital economy with fast and reliable connectivity.
With approximately 50 terabyte capacity the cost would be high for an individual country doing it alone.
But costs would be greatly reduced if shared among what would be the Polynesian Cable Network.
Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, French Polynesia, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Wallis and Futuna have already committed to the project.