Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met on Monday with U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Deanne Criswell to discuss issues related to disaster response and preparedness.

“The partnership between FEMA and the IDF’s Homefront Command reflects another layer in the powerful ties between the U.S. and Israel’s security establishments,” said Gallant.

In March, Israel hosted a four-day international exercise simulating the reception of foreign aid in the event of a major earthquake. The drill simulated all necessary emergency procedures, including the initial decision to request international assistance, integrating foreign rescue teams and the receipt and distribution of aid.

Some 120 people from 18 countries participated, with the teams also simulating scenarios related to search and rescue operations, evacuation drills and damage assessment processes.

Israel is considered a world leader in disaster response and has sent emergency response and humanitarian aid teams across the globe.