New Caledonia faces critical period amid French remilitarization, says foreign minister

New Caledonia is experiencing a critical period on the political level due to France's remilitarization of the country, which is having a negative impact on society in both psychological and social aspects, according to Foreign Minister Mickaël Forrest.

Speaking at a roundtable and press conference on "Decolonization, International Diplomacy, and the Role of Communication in the Modern World," Forrest emphasized the importance of small nations with colonial pasts having the opportunity to share their stories and express their identity and current situation.

"We are, overall, a territory colonized by France," Forrest stated, highlighting that the Kanak people demand respect for their "innate and active right to self-determination."