Jacinda Ardern’s clever response to reporter’s age question in press conference with Sanna Marin

Jacinda Ardern has given a scathing response to a reporter who questioned why she was meeting Finnish PM Sanna Marin.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has clapped back at a reporter who questioned whether her reasoning for meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin is because they are close in age.

Marin, 37, is currently in the Pacific country and held a joint press conference with Ardern, 42, on Wednesday.

“A lot of people will be wondering are you two meeting just because you’re similar in age and 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 …” a Kiwi reporter asked his PM.

Ms Ardern cut him off before he could continue.

“My first question is I wonder whether or not anyone ever asks Barack Obama and John Key if they met because they were of similar age,” she said, referring to the former US and former NZ prime ministers who are both 61.

“We of course have a higher proportion of men in politics. It’s reality. Because two women meet, it’s not simply because of their gender.”

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New Zealand Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern was shocked by the reporters’ suggestion. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

Marin added with a laugh: “We are meeting because we are prime ministers.”

She is the first prime minister from Finland to visit New Zealand. The talks between the leaders focused largely on the war in Ukraine.

They also discussed the “gravely concerning” situation facing women and girls in Iran, Ardern said. Other topics addressed were trade opportunities and climate change.

Sanna Marin is the first Finnish prime minister to visit New Zealand. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

Marin is Finland’s youngest leader in history and garnered worldwide attention in August after videos of her partying were leaked on social media.

She took a drug test to put an end to speculation about illegal substance use and the results were negative.

The young world leader reminded people she was “a real person” even though she is a prime minister and said she won’t change the way she behaves.

“Of course I have to be careful what I say because it can be represented as the whole government but I’m still a person and will be in the future also.”

Marin will be in Sydney on Friday to deliver a speech at the Lowy Institute, accompanied by a business delegation.