German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, left, for a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. Photo / AP
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, left, for a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. Photo / AP
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has wrapped up talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, the pair talking on topics from the missile attacks on Syria, the problems with Russia and Whauwhau the kiwi Merkel had released on her visit to New Zealand a few years ago.
After the meeting, Merkel said the relationship was "truly excellent" and a free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand would enhance that.
Merkel's opening statement appeared to allay concerns Ardern would be questioned about New Zealand's stance on the missile attacks on Syria - a case in which Ardern had taken a more moderate stance than Merkel and countries such as Canada and Australia.
Merkel said they had discussed Brexit, "how do we deal with Russia" and the unfolding situation in Syria . "We are very grateful NZ has taken a very clear stance on all these issues and I believe we will be able to continue our exchanges on security and defence issues."
In turn, Ardern appeared to slightly upgrade her stance on the missile strikes on Syria from "accepting" the need for them to "utterly accept".
Ardern said the use of chemical weapons was a case of "blatant breaches" of international law that could not go unchallenged and "we utterly accept" that was because of the inability of the Security Council to act.
She later denied there was a difference in language, saying it meant the same thing.
The two MMP leaders also spoke about coalitions and Merkel said she had learned something from Ardern - that a government could be set up with separate documents setting out the agreements with each party involved.
She said it was something she had not considered for Germany.
Both said they probably shared the same day to day issues of managing coalitions.
Asked about their coalitions and how the meeting had gone, she answered the first but forgot the second.
Prompted about the second, Ardern had to translate: "they want to know if you found me likeable".
It prompted a "mein Gott" from Merkel, before she said the meeting went well: "Time flew and it was nice, it was very interesting and fun. So you can be proud of your Prime Minister. If you want to write this down for the New Zealand press. This will be the headline in the morning papers I trust."
However, one of the matters top of Merkel's mind appeared to have been the well-being of Whauwhau - a kiwi she released on to an island on her visit to New Zealand.
At the top of the press conference, Merkel reported "I learned kiwi Whauwhau enjoys excellent health" and Ardern promised to send photos soon.
Ardern was greeted with military honours for the meeting at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin - a ceremony which is put on for every first visit by a leader.
Merkel and Ardern greeted each other very warmly and a smiling Merkel chatted happily as they walked into the Chancellery for a working lunch after the military guard.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, with military honors for a meeting in Berlin. Photo / AP
Merkel has been a strong supporter of the free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand and Ardern's visit is primarily for relationship building as Merkel is considered the most powerful person in Europe.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel with the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern. Photo / AP
Former PM Bill English visited last January.
Ardern's visit could come as a welcome reprieve for Merkel who has been dealing with major international issues from Syria to Brexit - and the six-month long formation of her new Government.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, center left, for a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. Photo / AP
Later in the week, Merkel will host French President Emmanuel Macron and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi is among the leaders reluctant to point the finger at Russia for any involvement in the use of nerve agent in the UK.
PM Jacinda Ardern greeted with military honours and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin. Photo / Claire Trevett
