China's representative Yang Jiechi has called on BRICS countries to deepen mutual strategic trust in political security and solidarity and cooperation in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at the 10th Meeting of the BRICS High Representatives on National Security via video link.

Faced with coronavirus, the group has become an example of cooperation between major emerging economies in advancing practical cooperation, Yang noted.

He said the existing international relations and order have been challenged by unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonic behavior, and he called on efforts to defend the UN-centered international system and multilateralism and to reject Cold War mentality and confrontation.

BRICS countries should commit themselves to seek security through equality, development and cooperation, he said.

Representatives from the five countries exchanged views ranging from global and regional hot issues to biological security, terrorism and cybersecurity.

The five countries agreed to strengthen communication and defend international rules and multilateralism.

They also voiced support to WHO's leading role in tackling the pandemic and vowed more support and cooperation in vaccine research.

They also agreed to continue to work together to promote the outcome of the BRICS Leaders' Meeting to be held later this year.