Former president Shimon Peres met in Paris Thursday with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls for discussions that centered on the challenges posed by terrorism and the fight against anti-Semitism.

Peres offered his condolences to Europeans over a wave of fatal terror attacks, and said Israel would gladly lend its support to the continent through “its experience and technological capabilities.”

Added Peres, “I understand the depths of your pain. In this struggle, there can not be any compromise, and we must fight efficiently and professionally in order to eradicate the terrorists’ attempt to intimidate Europe.”

Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

He also thanked Valls for his efforts in combating anti-Semitism in France.

“The only way we can defeat [hatred] is by uniting the world and all of [its] religions,” he said. “Relations between Israel and France are strong, and I have no doubt that this friendship will continue to strengthen in the future.

“We are working to cooperate in the fields of security, science, economics and the fight against terrorism, and we cherish our deep friendship between the two countries,” Peres said.

Valls said France stood by the Jewish state in the war against anti-Semitism and terrorism, and reaffirmed the “good friendship” between the two countries. He called for renewed peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians, which he said was “as important today as ever before.”

He noted that “the fight against terrorism and anti-Semitism is a global struggle. We must all unite to support this struggle.”

Peres was set to participate Friday in the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Peres Center for Peace and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

He was also expected to meet with French President Francois Hollande.