Vanuatu and France are set to commence the first round of resumed negotiations concerning the maritime boundary delimitation and sovereignty over two islands, Matthew (Umaenupne) and Hunter (Leka), situated within Vanuatu’s Tafea Province. This development follows a successful negotiation round in France regarding Vanuatu’s procurement of new Airbus A220 aircraft.
The announcement highlights a commitment from both nations to resolve the longstanding issues regarding the uninhabited islands. A joint communiqué by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat and French President Emmanuel Macron underscored their dedication to maintaining a constructive dialogue and seeking an amicable resolution to the sovereignty matter.
Prime Minister Napat and President Macron have instructed their negotiating teams to engage in discussions promptly, with the initial round of talks scheduled to take place in Port Vila following seasonal festivities, while a subsequent round is anticipated to occur in France before the year concludes.
This renewed focus on diplomacy could lead to strengthened bilateral ties between Vanuatu and France, providing a platform for collaborative efforts on various challenges, including economic initiatives and environmental concerns, as both nations navigate a changing geopolitical landscape. The overarching optimism surrounding these negotiations reflects a shared intention to foster stability and mutual benefit in the region.
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