The statue of the two men in Place de la Paix, at Nouméa's Place des Cocotiers, commemorates one of the most significant moments in New Caledonia's history.
It represents the historic handshake between Jean-Marie Tjibaou and Jacques Lafleur following the signing of the Matignon Accords on 26 June 1988.
More than just a handshake, it symbolizes the choice of peace, dialogue, and reconciliation after years of conflict.
Today, it stands as a powerful reminder that even the deepest divisions can be overcome through courage and understanding.