BEIJING: The BRICS sherpas have agreed to increase their solidarity and collaboration in the face of several global challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and economic recovery.

The commitment was made during the second BRICS sherpas' meeting in 2022, which was held by videolink from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Ma Zhaoxu, China's sherpa for BRICS matters and Vice Foreign Minister, presided over the meeting, which was attended by sherpas from Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa, as well as representatives from key Chinese departments.

BRICS countries should deepen strategic partnership, contribute solutions for maintaining fairness and justice, inject strength into the global market's stability, build a defence line for the joint fight against the pandemic, and provide impetus for international development cooperation, he said, noting that achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals faces new risks and challenges.

China looks forward to working with BRICS partners to continue to increase communication and coordination, deepen practical cooperation, and ensure the summit's success as the BRICS president this year, Ma added.

The other Sherpas praised China's leadership role as presidency, reaffirmed the successes and progress of BRICS cooperation in several domains this year, and pledged to continue to support the Chinese presidency's efforts.

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