SYDNEY, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Sydney on Wednesday amid tight security for a four-day visit.
"I'm proud to be the first Israeli prime minister to make an official visit to Australia," he said after arrival.
"I always remember it was Australian light horse that liberated Beersheba, an old, old city in our history and we have been friends -- extraordinary friends -- ever since."
The purpose of his visit is to further the two countries'1.2 billion Australian dollar (0.92 billion U.S. dollars) trade arrangements and expand cooperation in technology research, with cyber-security high on the agenda.
Bilateral agreements to develop improved air services is also a priority for the visiting leader.
But the trip is not without controversy, with several protests planned throughout the four days, and security is extremely heightened.
Despite the Australian Greens Party having opposed the visit and leader of the opposition Labor Party Bill Shorten recently renewing calls for a two-state solution in Israel, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has attempted to quell this sentiment by lending his support to the middle eastern nation.
"We admire Australia, we embrace Australia and this visit will enable us to bring our countries even closer," Netanyahu said.
