Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin to visit New Zealand, meet Jacinda Ardern in Auckland

The Prime Minister of Finland will visit New Zealand on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister of Finland will visit New Zealand on Tuesday. Photo credit: Getty Images

The Prime Minister of Finland will visit New Zealand later this month.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin will be in New Zealand from November 29 until December 1, and during this time she will meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Auckland.

Ardern said New Zealand and Finland are natural partners. 

"We share similar approaches and views on many international issues, including the importance of the rule of law, multilateralism, sustainability, and free and open trade," Ardern said.

Ardern added she was looking forward to building New Zealand's relationship with Finland, including utilising the free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union.

"The ongoing and active support of friends such as Finland is welcome as we move toward signing and ratifying the FTA as soon as possible."

The free trade agreement is aimed at promoting trade and sustainable development.

The agreement is expected to increase exports to the European Union by up to $1.8 billion per year.

It will be the Finnish Prime Minister's first visit to New Zealand, and will be the first opportunity for Marin and Ardern to meet in person.

Marin will be accompanied on the trip by Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.