The Belgian and French prime ministers on Monday agreed on the need to boost counter-terror cooperation, after Belgium came under fire for failing to help prevent November's Paris terror attacks, reports FRANCE 24.
Prime minister Charles Michel of Belgium and French counterpart Manuel Valls were keen to present a united front following a row over alleged Belgian intelligence failings ahead of the jihadist attacks that killed 130 people in the French capital.
"The main message is that we stand side by side and are determined to work to increase the level of security for our citizens," Michel told a joint press conference after the two leaders met in Brussels.
Valls added: "We must be united around our values, cooperate and become stronger against terrorism. I have never doubted the Belgian people."
The premiers were joined by their interior and justice ministers, along with representatives of the military, police and intelligence services of both countries, and the magistrates leading the Paris attacks investigation.
A French official said the two countries were keen to boost intelligence-sharing, with the governments announcing that the French justice ministry would send a liaison official to Belgium on important cases.
Belgium has rejected French criticism of its police and intelligence services in the run-up to Paris attacks, which were claimed by the Islamic State group.