Prime Minister Jotham Napat says Government will continue consultations with leaders, including those from Tafea Province, before deciding its next course of action on the Mathew and Hunter Islands sovereignty issue.

The statement follows a meeting today between the Prime Minister and former national leaders and Independence pioneers, who provided their views on the ongoing sovereignty and maritime boundary matter.

The consultation brought together former Prime Ministers Joe Natuman, Maxime Carlot Korman, and Barak Sopé, former Head of State Kalkot Mataskelekele, and two of Vanuatu’s first ministers, Vincent Bulekon and Sethy Regenvanu.

Prime Minister Napat said the experience and guidance of former leaders were important as Government considers the way forward following recent negotiations with France that ended without an agreement.

“I acknowledge the presence of our former leaders, many of whom are veteran politicians who have held positions such as Head of State, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, and leaders of opposition. I thank them for coming today to discuss a subject that is very important for us as a nation — our two islands further down south, Mathew and Hunter.”

He said the discussions provided valuable input from leaders who have previously been involved in national issues relating to sovereignty and maritime boundaries.

“I take this opportunity to thank them for the discussions and the input they have provided, which can help address the issue of sovereignty and maritime boundaries.”

The Prime Minister said the Government will continue consultations, including with leaders from Tafea Province, before providing further updates on the next course of action.

The consultations come after Vanuatu and France concluded their latest bilateral discussions without reaching an agreement on the sovereignty and maritime boundary issue involving Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter) Islands.