(JTA) – Leaders of New Zealand’s Jewish and Muslim communities participated in events to promote solidarity and understanding.

The Jewish and Muslim leaders gathered in Wellington’s Central Park last week to plant trees as part of the Weekend of Twinning program founded by the New York-based Foundation For Ethnic Understanding.

The event was the first in the sixth annual twinning weekend, a worldwide series of events that promotes solidarity and understanding between the Muslim and Jewish communities. It was the first event of its kind in New Zealand.

On Oct. 11, New Zealand Muslim and Jewish leaders planted five trees in Wellington accompanied by the capital city’s mayor, Celia Wade-Brown. In her remarks, Wade-Brown praised the leaders for strengthening ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities.

Twinning events are planned for November in South Africa, Australia and other countries.