New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS Movement has officially invited West Papua to attend this month's Melanesian Spearhead Group summit in Noumea.
At the summit, MSG leaders are expected to decide on a formal membership bid by the West Papua National Coalition for Liberation.
The FLNKS spokesperson, Victor Tutugoro, says they have also met the consul of Indonesia in Noumea about their position on West Papua.
The chairman of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, Pastor Alan Nafuki, says the invitation is an important step.
"I think this is one of the major steps in history of West Papua since 1961. And I think for myself it is the answer, the answer of our struggle together, the answer of the people of god who have been praying for many many years, over 50 years now, and we have at least achieved something and I am very so proud of that."
Pastor Alan Nafuki
