There could be a new power couple in international politics.

New Zealand and France appear to have forged a closer tie following the successful meeting between our Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Commentators say Jacinda Ardern and Macron seemed to click during the overnight meeting, which covered key issues such as free trade negotiations, to lighter chat and rugby banter.

Our French correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking it's clear Macron appreciated Ardern's visit.

"You really felt that with the body language between the two. This new page, if you like, of relations between France and New Zealand. All this talk about common values and goals."

Ardern told media that was "heartened" that Macron supported the start of free trade talks between the EU and New Zealand.

The Prime Minister said she had achieved what she had come for.

"One of my key objectives in visiting France as part of this visit to Europe was the EU FTA. It represents $15 billion worth of trade. It is hugely significant to us."

She said while nothing was certain "I come away from this visit much more hopeful that I went in".

Ardern invited Macron to visit New Zealand and while he did not make a firm commitment, he did raise it himself afterward saying he had been given "an opportunity" to visit. It would be the first ever visit by a French President.

"It would be a very significant visit. But I think if it did happen it would speak to some of the things we are interested in working on together," Ardern said.

He is due to head to New Caledonia and Australia in May but Ardern said demands on his time would prevent a visit then.

"If there were future visits to the Pacific it would be a prime opportunity to add New Zealand to the list."

In return, he invited Ardern back to Paris in November for a Peace Forum in November.

- with content from NZ Herald

LISTEN TO CATHERINE FIELD TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE