Finnish President visits NZ

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark held talks with visiting Finnish President Tarja Halonen Tuesday.

While New Zealand's trade with Finland is minimal, Clark said, the relationship can be strengthened through research, science and technology cooperation.

Tarja Halonen arrived in Auckland on Saturday for a five day visit. She was welcomed to Government House Tuesday morning by members of the Defense Force's Maori cultural group.

She will lay a wreath Tuesday at the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Buckle Street, Wellington.

Last year, Halonen was elected for a second six year term as President.

This is the first-ever visit to New Zealand by a Finnish President.

Source: Xinhua