The French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, has announced that he will visit New Caledonia before the middle of next year.
The announcement was made by the Elysee Palace and says it follows a meeting with the New Caledonian president, Harold Martin and the head of the territory's congress, Pierre Frogier.
Mr Sarkozy has told the two that New Caledonia's future lies with a modernsied and decentralised France.
He also congratulated the two anti-independence politicians for their collaboration to bring more political stability.
Two years ago, Mr Frogier said Mr Sarkozy would attend his UMP's party congress but that didn't happen.
Mr Sarkozy has also been expected in French Polynesia next month but French press reports say the trip may be called off.
