JOHANNESBURG - Chinese President Xi Jinping called on BRICS countries here on Thursday to build a network of closer partnerships.

"Since the inception of the BRICS mechanism, openness and inclusiveness have remained our abiding commitment," Xi said while addressing a plenary session at the 10th BRICS summit scheduled from July 25 to 27.

"The 'BRICS Plus' approach we adopted at the Xiamen Summit is designed to strengthen the unity and coordination among BRICS members for greater cohesion and, at the same time, to keep broadening the BRICS 'circle of friends' in a joint pursuit of shared development and prosperity for all emerging markets and developing countries," said Xi.

Xi said that BRICS countries may explore "BRICS Plus" cooperation within the United Nations, the G20, and other frameworks to advance the common interests and boost the development space for emerging markets and developing countries, thus contributing more to world peace and development through broader partnerships.