A belt connector and method for interconnecting opposite ends of a filtering belt has a plurality of wire hooks, each with two shanks disposed adjacent opposite faces of the belt, a coupling loop interconnecting the shanks and hook ends that are pressed into the opposite faces of the belt. A flat cover element extends across the width of the belt, covers at least portions of the wire hooks, overlies the opposite faces of the belt, and has a carrier material and a coating that is applied to the belt side of the carrier material, and is constructed from a thermoplastic or an adhesive material which is pressed into the pores of the belt to positively and mechanically interconnect the cover element with the belt.