Special Envoy Director Benoît Guidée shakes hands with Vanuatu’s deputy prime minister Johnny Koanapo Rasou

    Special Envoy Director Benoît Guidée shakes hands with Vanuatu’s deputy prime minister Johnny Koanapo Rasou

    Vanuatu and France conclude first round of negotiations on Umaenupne and Umaeneg/Leka Islands sovereignty

    Port VILA, 21st November, 2025 –The Government of Vanuatu, led by Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat and Deputy Prime Minister and Lead Negotiator Hon. Johnny Koanapo Rasou has concluded the first round of negotiations with France on sovereignty over Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) islands and permanent maritime boundaries between Vanuatu and New Caledonia (France).

    A delegation from Paris, led by Special Envoy Director Benoît Guidée arrived in Port Vila on Thursday 20th November for talks between the two nations, which concluded on Friday 21st November.

    These negotiations follow a successful visit to Paris in July 2025 by Prime Minister Jotham Napat to meet French President, Emmanuel Macron.  During that visit the leaders discussed pathways forward on resolving sovereignty over Umaenupne and Umaeneg/Leka islands and the delimitation of their maritime boundaries and the two leaders instructed their teams to engage in negotiations.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Lead Negotiator Johnny Koanapo Rasou chaired the meeting for the Vanuatu delegation, following opening remarks delivered by the Prime Minister. Chiefs from the southern islands of Aneityum, Futuna, and Tanna also travelled to Port Vila to convey the significance of the islands and the important role they play in cultural life. 

    Deputy Prime Minister said discussions about sovereignty and maritime boundaries centre on the issue of accountability for colonial rule.

    “This is about accountability for the cultural and economic deprivation faced by our people - the legacy of which persists today. There is a moral obligation to uphold the rights of indigenous communities whose heritage and identity are inseparable from the land they call home.

    “Umaenupne and Umaeneg/Leka islands have been part of Vanuatu for generations. They are intrinsically linked to the religious fabric of our nation, holding significant sacred and cultural value for ni-Van people. We are confident that these negotiations provide a platform for future progress.  Importantly, both sides engaged with goodwill, transparency, and a shared commitment to resolution.” 

    Vanuatu and France have agreed to schedule a second round of negotiations in Paris for early 2026.

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