Libya and Tunisia agreed on Thursday to boost cooperation on security, the fight against "terrorist groups" and border controls, according to a memorandum of understanding signed in Tripoli.

The north African neighbours agreed to "exchange information on the activities and crimes of terrorist groups... their sources of financing and the movements of their leaders," said the accord, a copy of which was seen by AFP.

It also envisages "redoubling efforts" to combat illegal immigration and the smuggling of weapons, drugs and stolen cars across the border.

At the same time, Tripoli and Tunis agreed to facilitate the movement of citizens across the frontier.

Thousands of people and goods cross between Libya and Tunisia every day.

Tunisia, which receives more than one million Libyans each year, gave refuge to tens of thousands of Libyans who fled the months of fighting last year that led to the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

However, the border saw numerous skirmishes in recent months, prompting the closure of the Ras Jdir crossing for three weeks in December.