America has not requested the Netherlands to intervene militarily in Syria despite media claims to the contrary, foreign affairs minister Bert Koenders told parliament on Wednesday.

Defence minister Jeanine Hennis was in Washington to talk to US officials about combating IS but the talks focused on joint action against the terrorist movement in Syria and Iraq, Koenders said.

During the talks, US defence secretary Ash Carter said he hoped for a united approach by allies, including the Netherlands, Koenders is quoted as saying by broadcaster Nos.

The Netherlands is continuing to consider its position, the minister said. Dutch fighter jets are involved in bombing in Iraq but not Syria.