Russia commended China on Monday for playing a significant role in the worldwide movement to overthrow the colonial and neocolonial system.

On the fringes of the BRICS Council meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the statement while meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

According to Lavrov, the dynamics of the modern world demand change, citing a Chinese saying that reads, “God forbid you should live in an era of change.”

He pointed out that China is currently one of the primary forces behind global change, which may be required.

Lavrov agreed with Yi that there is a conflict between those that seek a multipolar international order and those that are attempting to maintain a unipolar system “used by the West to conduct world affairs.”

According to the Russian official, the United Nations Charter’s idea of sovereign equality among all states must serve as the foundation for the new system.

China, Russia, SCO, BRICS, and other allies “stand at the forefront of the movement for justice and equality,” Lavrov added.

“This places a unique burden on us, particularly in achieving the goals established by our nations’ leaders,” the minister continued.

Lavrov told Yi that Russia is getting ready for President Xi Jinping’s formal visit during the festivities to honor the  celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.