Fiji, Oct. 28 -- Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko says PNG remains committed to supporting New Caledonia's political journey and strengthening Melanesian solidarity within the region.

Tkatchenko made the remarks following a bilateral meeting on Monday between Prime Minister James Marape and President of New Caledonia Alcide Ponga, held during the President's official visit to PNG.

Also present was the French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Pierre Fournier.

"While formal diplomatic relations have been with the Republic of France since 1976, and New Caledonia as its overseas territory, our strong relations have been through common memberships in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG),"...