Negotiations over the ownership of two uninhabited islands near Vanuatu have taken a major step forward as the French government has entered discussions with the tiny Pacific nation.
There has been a longstanding dispute over Matthew and Hunter islands – two tiny volcanic islands south-east of Vanuatu and east of New Caledonia. Both France and Vanuatu have staked a claim to them, but Vanuatu’s foreign minister Ralph Regenvanu has announced that progress is now being made towards ending the disagreement.
He said that France has finally agreed to enter negotiations with Vanuatu and that there have already been two meetings on the subject this year. He added that discussions have been progressing well and that he is hoping the two governments will continue to meet every three months at least.
Vanuatu also has outstanding disagreements with Fiji over boundary issues, but it has been reported that talks on this subject may also commence soon.
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Vanuatu for detailed information about cruising around Vanuatu, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
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Email: vanuatu@seal-superyachts.com