MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Relations between Moscow and Dushanbe are gradually developing in the current difficult geopolitical situation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the opening of talks with his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin.

"Our countries are proven allies and rely on multifaceted interaction. Relations are developing gradually, even in the current period, when the geopolitical situation is difficult, to say the least," Lavrov said.

Multifaceted interregional ties, interaction in the cultural, humanitarian, and educational spheres contribute to the development of relations, he noted. "We are very grateful for the support of projects and initiatives aimed at expanding the availability of Russian-language education in Tajikistan. At the request of our friends, we have increased the number of state scholarships to 1,000 for the current academic year. This is one of the highest figures in our relations with foreign countries in this area," Lavrov stressed.

"An intergovernmental agreement was signed on the construction of a center for gifted children in Dushanbe, a new building for the Mayakovsky Russian Drama Theater, as instructed by our presidents. As far as I know, construction is expected to begin in the very near future," Lavrov noted.

He also highlighted the high level of foreign policy coordination between the two countries. "We appreciate your support in implementing the priorities of the Russian chairmanship within the CIS last year, and as of January 1, this function was transferred to Tajikistan. We support your priorities and we have no doubt that the chairmanship will be successful," Lavrov said.

In turn, Muhriddin said that comprehensive development of relations with Russia is a priority for Tajikistan. "Comprehensive development of relations with Russia is an important priority for our country," he said. The minister stressed that the political dialogue is conducted at a high level, the tone of which is set by the presidents of Tajikistan and Russia, Emomali Rahmon and Vladimir Putin.

Muhriddin also noted that this is confirmed by the results of the talks between the leaders of the two countries, which took place on December 24 in the Leningrad region. "We are satisfied with the state of our relations with Russia and intend to expand them in every possible way," the minister summed up.