Wallis and Futuna has been welcomed as the newest member of the Polynesian Leaders Group.
The group is holding its seventh get-together in Apia ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum.
In the Samoan capital on Monday the group's chair Tongan Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva called for cooperation among members over matters like telecommunications and airline services.
"Connectivity is the key to overcome this isolation we experience in not only all the world but with each other. And in a world of advancing information and communication technology we can take advantage of the modern developments and infrastructure that presents itself," said Mr Pohiva.
Mr Pohiva welcomed the President of the Wallis and Futuna General Assembly as well as those of Polynesian heritage from Hawaii and Rapanui.
The PLG's agenda also includes bids from Samoa and Tonga to host the group's secretariat as well as presentations from French Polynesia and Tonga for regional air connections.
Polynesia Leaders Group meeting in Apia, September 2017 Photo: RNZI/Monica Miller