3. The V4 and the State of Israel decided to further deepen their partnership aimed at building innovative and creative economies through enhanced joint cooperation in R&D, science, technology and innovation, start-ups and digitalization of industry and service sectors. 4. The leaders emphasized the need to promote the mobility of researchers and students, building on the relevant existing frameworks and instruments established at the bilateral and regional levels, as well as within the framework of the EU - Israel cooperation. 5. In order to encourage cooperation and dissemination of knowledge and know-how between high-tech industries in the V4 and the State of Israel, designated programs for the specialization of students and high-tech entrepreneurs and experts of the V4 will be established. 6. The V4 and the State of Israel recognized the usefulness of strengthening energy cooperation and agreed to consider opportunities to exchange views on the global and regional energy situation and energy policies, with a special focus on the opportunities offered by natural gas. 7. The five leaders discussed various challenges regarding the United Nations (UN) and their agencies. They affirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in regional and international organizations, including the UN and, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 8. The V4 and the State of Israel emphasized that the developments in the Middle East and Northern Africa, especially the activities of ISIL/Da’esh and the conflict in Syria, Libya, Iraq and Yemen have considerable implication on the security situation of the international community as a whole, including Europe and the Middle East. All sides shared the view that it is necessary to strengthen global and regional efforts in countering terrorism. 9. They strongly and unequivocally condemned recent terrorist attacks, including those in Israel and across the world, and stressed that terrorism continues to be a troubling phenomenon of our times and represents a serious threat to international peace and security. The leaders agreed to exchange views on their efforts aimed at fighting terrorism and countering violent extremism and incitement. The five leaders agreed to explore the possibility of further strengthening joint cooperation in the areas of defense and defense industry, cyber security, hybrid threats, non-proliferation and information and know-how sharing. 2