The governors of New Jersey and New York announced a multilateral partnership to improve "security preparedness and coordination."

According to the offices of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, the partnership will include local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety offices as a result of "recent" extremist terrorist activities overseas and the potential threat they pose for the metropolitan area. A joint statement from the governors states the improved partnership will strengthen coordination among the different jurisdictions responsible for securing entry points considered "high risk."

"With new threats abroad growing from the rise of extremist terrorist organizations, we must take every step we can to enhance our security infrastructure to effectively prevent the hateful agenda of these groups from coming onto American soil," Cuomo said.

"With the growing potential threat from overseas, it is essential that we remain vigilant and ensure we continue to have a carefully coordinated, seamless preparedness and security operation between our two states and the federal government for the safety of our people, our region, and our assets." 

The assets Christie refers to are the metropolitan area's title as the world's financial capital, tourist destinations, airports, seaports and railroads.

The governors confirmed they will meet with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI's New York Field Office Assistant Director George Venizelos. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson was also invited to the meeting.

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico and Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Jerome Hauer will lead the partnership. The partnership between the states includes agencies such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police and the New York National Guard. New Jersey's lead representative includes its police superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes and Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Christopher Rodriguez as well as representatives from New Jersey's police, transit and National Guard agencies.

"Bringing these groups together will help strengthen the existing efforts of the men and women who are charged with the protection and security of our region, and ensure that any potential threat continues to be effectively responded to," Christie said.

"New York and New Jersey stand at the center of the global network of finance, commerce, and tourism, placing us in a position as an attractive potential terrorist target," Cuomo said. "These measures will strengthen the coordination between federal, state and local authorities and by doing so, better protect our citizens from terrorist attacks. I look forward to working together with our local, state, and federal partners and thank them for their continued efforts to stand vigilant against threats to our region and citizens."