France looks like it could be a strong backer for Helen Clark's bid for the top job at the UN - under the right circumstances.

Prime Minister John Key and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls have had a series of talks, both over dinner last night and at formal discussions at the Auckland War Memorial Museum this morning.

Talks have been underway between the two Prime Ministers this morning, with a free trade agreement between New Zealand and the EU, counter terrorism strategies, and climate change all on the list of conversation topics.

Key also welcomed the signing of an update Air Services Agreement, which opens the skies to new air routes between New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Helen Clark's bid for election as the Secretary-General of the United Nations was also discussed, with Valls declaring his respect for Clark's work.

Key said France's support could be determined by whether European candidates survive the veto process.

"If ultimately Russia, the United States, or maybe even China exercise the veto on various candidates, that could leave Helen Clark with a pathway which opens much stronger for her," he said.

It's the first visit by a French Prime Minister since 1991, when Michel Rocard delivered an apology for the Rainbow Warrior bombing as part of an arbitration settlement.

Valls' arrival follows that of Indian president Pranab Mukherjee, who touched down on Saturday - the first time a president of India has been here.

Over the weekend he spoke with the Governor General and our Prime Minister, met with Indian business and community leaders, and addressed students at AUT's Business School.