European Council President Donald Tusk has described the first-ever EU-Arab League summit, which concluded in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday evening, as a "new chapter of cooperation" between the Arab world and Europe.

Speaking at the conclusion of the two-day event on Monday, Tusk said the gathering is only the beginning of a "frank and substantive conversation" between the two regional blocs.

EU and Arab leaders "have no alternative but to work together" on shared challenges, including terrorism, climate change and ensuring sustainable growth, he said.

Tusk also said that the rules-based global order is "clearly under threat."

"We have agreed here, in Sharm El-Sheikh, that both sides will work together to defend it," he told a press conference at the summit.

"Multilateral solutions remain the best way to address threats to international peace and security. This is true when we talk about the situation in Syria, Libya, Yemen or the Middle East peace process."

Leaders from Europe and Arab League countries are looking to further boost cooperation beyond resolving crises and conflicts.

"We want to develop common projects from energy, security to technology to tourism and trade, that will encourage the investment and sustainable growth that our peoples need," said Tusk.

Leaders have also vowed to scale up joint efforts in the fight against terrorism as well as other security and border problems including illegal migration and human trafficking.