The chairman of the West Papua National Committee, or KNPB, says the widespread support of Melanesian people makes him hopeful that West Papuans will gain membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Victor Yeimo and other representatives of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua have submitted their formal membership application to join the MSG.
The Movement was formed late last year at a major summit of West Papuan representative groups hosted by the Vanuatu government.
Speaking in Port Vila, Mr Yeimo says Vanuatu and other MSG member countries have been supportive of the West Papuan application process.
"I know the governments of Melanesian countries have given us hope, big hope, that with the other sisters and brothers of Melanesia, I know our application will be accepted by them."
The chairman of the West Papua National Committee, Victor Yeimo.
