Jacinda Ardern has hit back at a question from a journalist around the reasons for her meeting with Finnish prime minister Sanna Marin.
“A lot of people will be wondering: ‘are you two meeting just because you’re similar in age and have got a lot of common stuff there - when you got into politics and stuff - or can Kiwis actually expect to see more deals between our two countries down the line…?" the journalist asked.
Ms Ardern was swift to interject, asking if the media would quiz male leaders about their similarities.
"My first question is I wonder whether or not anyone every asked [former US President] Barack Obama and [former New Zealand Prime Minister] John Key if they met because they were of a similar age," she quizzed the reporter.
'Because two women meet it's not simply because of their gender'
At the joint press conference in Auckland on Wednesday, she acknowledged that more men are in politics around the world.
"Because two women meet it's not simply because of their gender," she said.
"The focus of our conversation is what more we could do together in support of other women, in other countries who are facing dire circumstances," Ms Ardern said.
She vowed to further the countries' relationship regardless of gender.
In relation to , Ms Ardern said: "So, I think that shows a sense of responsibility that we feel given there are so few female leaders to make sure that we use our voice on behalf of those that are experiencing such dire circumstances."
Social media users have praised Ms Ardern, 42, for shooting down the apparent sexism and comparison of leaders based on their age.
Ms Marin, 37, had a similar answer back to the suggestion the two women would get together based on their age.
"We are meeting because we are prime ministers," Ms Marin said with a laugh.
Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin meets with New Zealand's leader Jacinda Ardern in Auckland. Source: AAP / Michael Craig/AP
It is the first visit by a Finnish prime minister to New Zealand.
Ms Marin is familiar with media scrutiny over her leadership, having faced criticism earlier this year about her dancing and partying with friends after hours.
Ms Marin is soon heading to Sydney for talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
