Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced a new partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enlist other nations, international bodies and the private sector in increasing the security of the global supply chain - outlining a series of new initiatives to make the system stronger, smarter and more resilient.

Secretary Napolitano traveled to Brussels and met with European Commission (EC) Vice President and Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes, EC Vice President and Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, and several Members of the European Parliament to discuss international collaboration to strengthen cyber, cargo and aviation security and ensure the security and resilience of our global supply chain systems against terrorism, transnational crime and natural disasters while also facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and commerce in advance of previously scheduled meetings with the World Customs Organization.

Secretary Napolitano met bilaterally with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Israeli Finance Minister Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich, to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Israel, threats from terrorism that both countries face, and DHS' commitment to working with Israel to expand operational and technological cooperation on homeland security issues.

Secretary Napolitano traveled to Israel, meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy Dan Meridor, and Minister of Transport Yisrael Katz to discuss threats from terrorism and the ongoing security partnership between the United States and Israel.

Secretary Napolitano and Qatari Minister of State for Interior Affairs HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani signed a letter of intent to expand collaboration between the two nations on bilateral initiatives to enhance security for American and Qatari citizens.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Minister of Finance Zakhiwal to discuss progress being made in securing the region and America's commitment to working with Afghanistan to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in the region.