In a communication system comprising a first network operatively coupled to a second network, wherein the first network comprises a first security edge protection proxy element operatively coupled to a second security edge protection proxy element of the second network, one of the first and second security edge protection proxy elements initiates a mutual authentication procedure with the other of the first and second security edge protection proxy elements. The one of the first and second security edge protection proxy elements exchanges credentials with the other of the first and second security edge protection proxy elements, wherein a secure channel is established between the first and second security edge protection proxy elements upon verification of the credentials.