Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day 2007
April 13, 2007

The United States and Israel began a discussion March 1 led by Under Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, Professor Stanley Fisher, Governor of the Bank of Israel, and Yarom Ariav, Director General of Israel's Ministry of Finance to define the strategic cooperation between our two countries, our next ten-year assistance relationship, and Israel's long-term economic and military security requirements.

The United States and Israel attach the highest importance to this meeting, which is the first in a series of discussions to develop specific assistance by the United States to Israel.

These talks reflect the deep historical and security ties between the United States and Israel, based on our shared values and common interests. The meeting today is another manifestation of the unshakable commitment by the United States to Israel's security and a step towards fortifying and enhancing the strategic relationship between our two countries.

In addition to the heads of delegation, other participants included Israeli Ambassador to the United States Sallai Meridor, the Directors General of Israel's Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, Israel's National Security Council Chairman, senior Ministry of Defense officials, and other senior representatives. The United States and Israel look forward to continuing this ongoing dialogue in the coming months both here and in Israel.