JOHANNESBURG, Nov.17 (Xinhua) -- With the COVID-19 pandemic that has damaged economies, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told the 12th BRICS Leaders Summit that the event was taking place when cooperation among countries was paramount.

"We are meeting at a time of global crisis, a time that calls for cooperation and dialogue between the nations of the world," he said, adding that the event called on BRICS members to unite and provide leadership.

This year's virtual summit is held in Russia under the theme "BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Shared Security and Innovative Growth".

Ramaphosa called on the BRICS members and the international community to support a stimulus package for African countries in an effort to deal with the impact of the pandemic.

"This will enable African countries to contain the disease and rebuild our damaged economies," he noted.

Ramaphosa said trade and investment ties between BRICS countries must be strengthened to improve economic recoveries.

He noted that the BRICS strategy for economic partnerships 2025 should be reviewed.

"Since restoring our economies to good health is a goal common to us all, it is timely that we are undertaking a review of the BRICS Strategy for Economic Partnership 2025," he said. Enditem