The following are the main points of their 100-page declaration:

PEACE AND SECURITY

The two sides said they would work together to "enhance the capacity of Africa and the EU to respond timely and adequately to security threats".

Dialogue on security issues would be held on "a systematic and regular" basis while security-related committees of the African Union and European Union would also meet regularly, as would their ambassadors to the two bodies.

They also pledged to "undertake joint assessment missions to conflict and post-conflict areas" and launch joint initiatives when deemed appropriate.

GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Both sides pledged what they called "enhanced cooperation in the fight against corruption", in particular by working more closely together to promote transparency on the handling of natural resources.

They also committed themselves to developing platforms for dialogue on areas such as human rights, gender equality, children's rights and on the death penalty which is banned in the EU but still carried out by some African states.

COMMERCE AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION

Amid negotiations on new trade agreements known as Economic Partnership Agreements, the declaration said the EPAs must "support Africa's regional integration efforts".

"Enhanced trade and deeper regional integration are essential contributions to development, economic growth and employment and ultimately the eradication of poverty," it said.

ENERGY

The agreement pledged to work towards "improved access to reliable, secure, affordable, climate friendly and sustainable energy services for both continents".

There was also a commitment to increase investment in energy infrastructure, including the promotion of renewable energy and "to explore the ways and means to launch a dialogue on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy".

CLIMATE CHANGE

The agreement included a commitment to strengthen the joint capacity for climate-monitoring and forecasting.

There was a particular mention of the need to monitor the rate of deforestation as well combatting the expansion of the Sahara desert.

MIGRATION AND EMPLOYMENT

Leaders of the two continents pledged to not only work towards greater mobility of their respective citizens but also to "address the root causes of migration and refugee flows".

There was also a joint commitment to help African migrants to integrate more fully in their new country of residence.

Acknowledging the dangers of an African "brain-drain" to Europe, the agreement contains a pledge to promote ethical recruitment policies in critical employment sectors and better vocational training.

SCIENCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The agreement acknowledged that Africa "is the continent where the scientific and digital divides are the widest".

In order to reduce the gap the leaders therefore pledged to add to investments in information technology which were already planned under the terms of an earlier agreements.

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