The Cyber-Security Council Germany opened its first international chapter with Israel’s Checkmarx during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the council said April 12.

The council was founded in 2012 to advise companies, authorities and political decision makers on cyber security and strengthening the fight against cyber crime, the Cyber-Security Council said. It includes an association with medium and large-sized enterprises, operators of critical infrastructure, federal and state institutions, experts and political decision-makers who it informs and supports regarding cyber operational needs.

Checkmarx is the council’s sole Israeli member and develops software solutions to identify security vulnerabilities in internet and mobile applications.

This new Israeli chapter will be in Tel Aviv and aims to promote the transnational exchange of cyber knowledge and strengthen German-Israeli cyber security cooperation. It will also be a bridge between Israeli companies and the German market, primarily in the industry, science, and technology sectors, the council said.

The council highlighted that this kind of international cooperation is necessary for a robust cyber security architecture.

“Cyber threats are not bound to national borders, so transnational cooperation and networking is inevitable for the exchange of know-how and best practices,” Philipp von Saldern, president of the council, said in a statement.

The CEO of Checkmarx, Emmanuel Benzaquen, added the company is happy with the council and its association. He noted Germany is a large market and the opening of this chapter proves Germany and Israel have a strong alliance.