27 Jan 2014

Hollande to visit Wallis and Futuna

7:38 am on 27 January 2014

The French president, Francois Hollande, says he will visit Wallis and Futuna as part of a regional tour this year.

In a televised interview for viewers in French overseas territories, Mr Hollande confirmed that he would also visit New Caledonia in November when he is due to attend the G20 summit in Australia.

Mr Hollande says a policy priority for the overseas territories remains the effort to lower the cost of living.

The issue has prompted unprecedented demonstrations across New Caledonia in recent years.

Mr Hollande has also re-affirmed France's support to adhere to the terms of the Noumea Accord which after this year's provincial elections opens the way for a possible independence referendum.

He has also welcomed investment plans in French Polynesia by Chinese companies who are poised to invest close to two billion US dollars in tourism and fisheries ventures.