A trade deal with the European Union's more important to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern than one with Russia.

The German President Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with Ardern this morning at the Beehive on the second day of his three day visit to New Zealand.

The pair held a joint press conference this morning following their first official meeting, where President Steinmeier was asked whether New Zealand pursuing a Russian deal would be viewed negatively by members of the EU.

Before allowing him to answer, Ardern jumped in to make her position clear.

"It's certainly not a higher priority than the EU free of trade agreement which is top of our agenda.

"Sorry, Mr President," she added with a laugh.

Dr Steinmeier said that's the case for Germany too.

"Germany is a country that very much relies on exporting its products and foods, has the greatest interest in seeing that free trade agreement with New Zealand not only negotiated but as quickly as possible concluded," he said through a translator.

The question comes after part of the coalition deal between Labour and NZ First said that he hoped to thaw relations with Russia. 

The revelation earned backlash from the EU Ambassador Bernard Savage, who said it would be viewed in a "very negative" light. 

Two-way trade between Germany and New Zealand is worth $3.1 billion.

Ardern said the president's visit had demonstrated the warm and close relationship between the two countries.

She said the government was grateful for Germany's support as it worked on a free trade agreement with the European Union.

President Steinmeier made his disappointment with Britain's exit from the EU clear and said his country was interested in forging trade links with other countries.

The two leaders also discussed the science and innovation agreement between the two countries.

"One in seven New Zealand scientists is working with a German partner," Ardern said.

- with content from NZ Newswire