New Caledonia Referendum

Australiacongratulates the people of New Caledonia on their historic act ofself-determination on 4 November 2018 and recognises the important choice theyhave made to remain a part of France.

We acknowledgethe efforts of both the French Government and the New Caledonian parties toensure New Caledonians could have their say. I welcome reports of the orderlyconduct of the referendum.

The referendummarks an important moment for New Caledonia, and for the region. In the last 30years, New Caledonians have worked together to build their country in thisregion we share. Australia has supported the Accord process since 1988,including provisions for self-determination.

As NewCaledonians enter the next phase of their history, Australia will remain asteadfast friend and partner of both New Caledonia and France.

New Caledoniais an important economic, trade and diplomatic actor in its own right in theregion, including as a full member of the Pacific Islands Forum. We lookforward to continue working with New Caledonia to increase its integration withthe Pacific region.

Australiavalues its close relationship with France in the Pacific and beyond. We welcomeFrance's commitment to the Pacific and its significant contribution to regionalsecurity and prosperity.