‘’We understand Israel's security is essential and not up for compromise. The fight against terror demands our determination," said Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis, who started Monday a visit to Israel.

Iohannis met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin. He will also visit the Knesset and meet with its speaker Yuli Edelstein. He will also later this week meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Romanian president, who is accompanied by his wife, will also go to the Western Wall, the Dead Sea and Masada.

A strong friendship has historically existed between Romania and Israel.

Iohannis pledged Romania’s solidarity with Israel in the battle against terrorism, anti-Semitism, racism and hatred.

He made this commitment at a welcome reception hosted by President Reuven Rivlin at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

Both Iohannis and Rivlin made the point that on Tuesday, March 8, Romania takes over the presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, an inter-governmental organization founded in 1998.

Earlier, Netanyahu told Iohannis that "the stance of Romania against anti-Semitism and also with Israel in European and international forums is much appreciated. It's standing up for the truth, but it's also standing up for our common civilization.’’

He also stressed that Israel is a beacon of democracy that protects Europe and the entire world from the dangers of Iran, ISIS and a radicalized Middle East,.

‘’When you look at the Middle East, there is one country – a beacon of freedom, a beacon of democracy, of human rights that protects not only itself but by so doing protects everyone else, including Europe. It is this basic understanding that we wish to impart to our European friends. I think many of them understand it. I'm sure you do too, Mr. President,’’ Netanyahu said.