The next few years were marked by a remarkably cordial atmosphere and cooperation between the Middle East's two great powers. During that time, however, as Justinian focused his energy and resources in his wars of reconquest against the Vandals and in Italy against the Goths, the defenses of the East were neglected. This presented a golden opportunity for Khosrau, who, urged by Gothic envoys and anxious to fill his depleted state coffers with booty, began a new war in summer 540.