The Netherlands and Belgium have agreed to work more closely in fighting terrorism, delegations from both countries said on Wednesday following negotiations in The Hague.

Agreement was also reached on cooperation between the two countries on the energy market, fighting fires in nature areas and sharing embassies, the Telegraaf reports.

Eight ministers from each country took part in the discussions, led by their respective prime ministers, Mark Rutte and Charles Michel.

Last week it was announced that the Dutch and Belgians will work together in defending the Benelux airspace. They will intercept civilian planes if there is a possibility they have been hijacked. Military airspace is already covered by Nato agreements.

On Wednesday it was agreed that Dutch army fire-fighting helicopters will be used to put out large fires in areas of nature in Belgium, and that the two countries will merge their embassy in Congo.