New Caledonia last week narrowly rejected independence from France, but a third referendum is likely in 2022.
Ralph Regenvanu, who is a staunch advocate for decolonisation in the region, says New Caledonia is Vanuatu's closest neighbour and home to the largest group of ni-Vanuatu abroad.
He says New Caledonia's independence is the goal of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, for which it was set up.
"We also need to convince the anti-independence lobby that New Caledonia can be a viable state in the Pacific like the other states in the Pacific," he said.