Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Cisco CEO John T. Chambers in 2012. Photo: Israel GPO.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Cisco Chairman and CEO John T. Chambers Wednesday to discuss a host of new Cisco initiatives meant to spotlight the expanding ties between the Jewish state and the multinational American company.

During the meeting, which came a year to the day since the two last met to discuss ways to expand Israel and Cisco’s relationship, Chambers announced three specific initiatives: First is the establishment of an innovative cyber research-and-development laboratory in the State of Israel, a program which Netanyahu called “exactly the kind of cooperation that seizes the future…”

Second, Cisco will build a network of consulting services in order to assist and provide answers to security needs, and is recruiting 100 strategic workers in Israel, based on existing capabilities.

Third, through the Cisco Learning Program, Cisco will launch an information security training program on a pilot basis to train young participants to serve as information security experts.

Chambers also announced the company is planning to invest $15 million via venture capital funds that support integration of Israelis and Arabs and the development of innovative security technologies.