JERUSALEM, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday appreciated Germany's contributions to Israel's security when he met with visiting German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

The prime minister praised the friendship between the two sides, and highlighted common values, which he said includes preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and fighting terrorism.

Maas said Germany is willing to deepen ties with Israel.

As friends, the two countries can disagree on various issues, such as the Iranian nuclear deal and the two-state solution in Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but "first and foremost we are friends," the Foreign Minister added.