MOSCOW, April 5. /TASS/. Russia values Tajikistan’s prompt help in investigating circumstances of the deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"The recent heinous terrorist attack at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow was designed by its organizers to divide the Russian society, to aggravate the feeling of mistrust among ethnic groups. However, the tragedy only brought them together. We appreciate the Tajik government’s words of support and compassion in this terrible time. We appreciate prompt assistance in investigating circumstances of this tragedy," Lavrov said at a presentation of the Society of Friendship with Tajikistan.

He went on to say that "the only adequate response to the attack would be to further intensify cooperation in the uncompromising war on terror and its foreign sponsors, both in the bilateral format and with our allies within the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization], the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States] and the SCO [Shanghai Cooperation Organization]."

"Nowadays, as the collective West is trying to break the centuries-old ties between us, it is important to further strengthen friendship, trust and mutual understanding between our nations," the top Russian diplomat said.

Successful cooperation

According to Lavrov, it is hard to over-estimate the contribution of regular friendly contacts between the leaders of the two countries - Russian President Vladmir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon - "to the cause of expanding Russian-Tajik ties."

"For many years, Russia confidently remained Tajikistan’s leading trade partner. More and more domestic companies are ready to invest in industrial and energy sector projects in the republic," the Russian foreign minister said. "Cooperation in education, science and culture is also being intensified."

The event was held in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of signing of the Russian-Tajik treaty of allied cooperation, to be marked on April 16.