(JNS) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted a ceremony this week commemorating the 40th anniversary of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

Pompeo commended the two nations for the diplomatic milestone, and that the “negotiations leading up to the treaty ushered in a new level of dialogue and cooperation, and laid the groundwork for a safer and more stable region,” according to a readout from the U.S. State Department about the occasion, which was closed to the press.

Also in attendance were Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer and Egyptian Ambassador to the United States Yasser Reda.