Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hosted Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias at Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv on Monday. The two discussed further strengthening defense ties and industrial cooperation between their two countries.

“Today we convey a clear message to our partners and enemies alike: Israel and Greece stand together, and join hands in ensuring security and stability for our region,” said Gallant according to a Defense Ministry statement.

The ministers also discussed shared challenges in fighting terrorism and expressed their commitment to greater cooperation.

“Our cooperation comes from a place of true friendship and a shared commitment to our ties, while defending our common interests,” Gallant said. “Recent industrial agreements will contribute not only to security, but also to the force build-up and economies of both our nations.”

Gallant emphasized the strategic importance of both the bilateral and trilateral frameworks, together with Cyprus, for the common goal of ensuring regional stability.

Trilateral ties between Israel, Greece and Cyprus commenced in January 2016 and have deepened since, with a focus on energy. Concerns over Turkey have also brought the countries closer together.

This was Dendias’s first visit to Israel since taking office.