The Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Congress of New Caledonia have signed an agreement to strengthen links between the two bodies.
The agreement was signed by the MSG's Director General, Peter Forau, and the president of the Congress, Roch Wamytan.
Mr Wamytan says he recognises the efforts of the MSG secretariat to lift the relationships with its members and in particular to assist New Caledonia's Kanak people in finding peaceful solutions for their future governance.
He says this week's agreement is about enhancing the participation of the Congress in regional affairs.
"To facilitate the contacts with the parliaments of the Melanesian countries. We develop these links with the MSG Secretariat because the MSG is our organisation in this region and I think it is a step in the process of emancipation and decolonisation of New Caledonia."
