Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi met today with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. During the meeting, various regional and international issues were discussed, mainly the ongoing events in Palestine and Lebanon, which are witnessing a dangerous escalation threatening the lives of innocent civilians. Both sides exchanged views on these issues and emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and a resolution to the crisis in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. The two sides also discussed ways to enhance GGC-New Zealand relations across various fields to serve the mutual interests of both parties. Both sides affirmed that the upcoming free-trade agreement, set to be signed in the near future, would significantly contribute to strengthening economic and trade relations between the Gulf states and New Zealand. Source: Saudi P ress Agency