France has welcomed the decision of the Pacific Islands Forum to admit French Polynesia and New Caledonia as full Forum members.
The president of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch (centre) with the president of New Caledonia, Philippe Germain (left) and the ulu of Tokelau, Afega Gaualofa (right). Photo: French Polynesia Presidency
The overseas minister Ericka Bareigts said this is due to strong diplomatic action on the part of France.
She said it reflects the ambitions expressed during last November's Paris summit when President Francois Hollande called on Pacific leaders to make New Caledonia and French Polynesia full Forum members and to add Wallis and Futuna as an associate member.
Ms Bareigts has also hailed the determination and force of conviction of the presidents of New Caledonia and French Polynesia that helped the bid succeed.
The two territories are the only Forum members on the United Nations decolonisation list, which includes US territories.
While France accepts New Caledonia's listing it rejected French Polynesia's listing as a glaring interference by the UN.