France, Aug. 23 -- Manuel Valls has extended his stay in New Caledonia as he seeks to rally support for the Bougival agreement amid political divisions and a struggling health system.

France's Overseas Minister, Manuel Valls, will extend his stay in New Caledonia until Monday, when he is set to once again bring together supporters of the Bougival agreement on the future of the archipelago, his office confirmed on Friday, following comments he made to local daily Les Nouvelles caledoniennes.

"We will hold a third meeting of the drafting committee on Monday morning, which will give me the chance to meet more people, to reaffirm my deep commitment to New Caledonia and, of course, to press ahead with the implementation of the Bougival agree...