A/RES/65/113 1998 electoral rolls when the Nouméa Accord was signed, thus ensuring strong representation of the Kanak population; 14. Welcomes all measures taken to strengthen and diversify the New Caledonian economy in all fields, and encourages further such measures in accordance with the spirit of the Matignon and Nouméa Accords; 15. Also welcomes the importance attached by the parties to the Matignon and Nouméa Accords to greater progress in housing, employment, training, education and health care in New Caledonia; 16. Notes the financial assistance rendered by the Government of France to the Territory in areas such as health, education, payment of public-service salaries and funding development schemes; 17. Acknowledges the contribution of the Melanesian Cultural Centre to the protection of the indigenous Kanak culture of New Caledonia; 18. Notes the positive initiatives aimed at protecting the natural environment of New Caledonia, including the “Zonéco” operation designed to map and evaluate marine resources within the economic zone of New Caledonia; 19. Welcomes the cooperation among Australia, France and New Zealand in terms of surveillance of fishing zones, in accordance with the wishes expressed by France during the France-Oceania Summits in July 2003 and June 2006; 20. Acknowledges the close links between New Caledonia and the peoples of the South Pacific and the positive actions being taken by the French and territorial authorities to facilitate the further development of those links, including the development of closer relations with the countries members of the Pacific Islands Forum; 21. Recalls with satisfaction, in this regard, the participation of New Caledonia at the 41st summit of the Pacific Islands Forum, held in Port Vila on 4 and 5 August 2010, following its accession to the Forum as an associate member in October 2006; 22. Recalls the continuing high-level visits to New Caledonia by delegations from countries of the Pacific region and high-level visits by delegations from New Caledonia to countries members of the Pacific Islands Forum; 23. Welcomes the cooperative attitude of other States and Territories in the region towards New Caledonia, its economic and political aspirations and its increasing participation in regional and international affairs; 24. Recalls the endorsement of the report of the Forum Ministerial Committee on New Caledonia by leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum at its 36th Summit, held in Papua New Guinea in October 2005, and the continuing role of the Forum Ministerial Committee in monitoring developments in the Territory and encouraging closer regional engagements; 25. Welcomes the successful conclusion of the Pacific regional seminar of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, held in Nouméa from 18 to 20 May 2010, and expresses its appreciation to the people and Government of New Caledonia for hosting the seminar and to the Government of France for its support in organizing it; 3