Meeting UK foreign secretary, Netanyahu stresses Israel’s strong, vibrant democracy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Jerusalem, saying that their two countries share a lot in common — including democracy.

“We’re two of the like-minded smart countries, and the world belongs to those who innovate,” Netanyahu tells his counterpart, “We’re innovation nations, where democracy is strong and vibrant and cooperative.”

In his own comments, Cleverly says that he wishes he could have returned to Israel sooner, but “I’m here now, and let’s just say there are some fantastic opportunities for us to work together. I’ve been looking at innovators, the range of technologies — it’s great to be here.”

Netanyahu’s office says the pair discussed the importance of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, as well as cooperation in security, technology and economic projects. There was no immediate readout from the UK side.