New Caledonian leaders have held formal talks in Paris to review the 1998 Noumea Accord on greater autonomy.
The meeting was chaired by the French prime minister, Francois Fillon, with New Caledonian delegates emerging to hail the discussions as a success.
France has promised further development funding as the territory is gearing up to a 2014 deadline after which a referendum on independence can be held.
A contentious issue remains the choice of New Caledonia's flag as symbols for a common destiny of the territory's various groups are being developed.
The French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has meanwhile hinted at a possible visit to New Caledonia in 2011 for the official opening of the Pacific Games.
Mr Sarkozy cancelled his last scheduled New Caledonia trip last year.
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