DUSHANBE, October 30, 2008, Asia-Plus — Issues related to partnership between the Tajik government and the Aga khan Development Network (AKDN) will be discussed at a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, who is arriving Dushanbe tomorrow for a 6-day official visit.
According to the Tajik MFA, His Highness the Aga Khan is arriving in Dushanbe Friday afternoon. The same day, he will hold talks with Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and then with President Emomali Rahmon.
As it had been reported earlier, the Aga Khan’s visit comes at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and is one of many being undertaken to commemorate his Golden Jubilee as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. His Highness succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam on 11 July 1957.
During his stay in Dushanbe, the Aga Khan will meet with high-ranking Tajik state officials to discuss the ongoing partnerships between the Tajik government and the AKDN in the areas of educational, social, and economic development. He will also visit current AKDN construction projects in the capital of Dushanbe, including the Serena Hotel and the Ismaili Center.
The Aga Khan will continue to Gorno Badakhshan, where he will meet with members of the Ismaili community. He will visit AKDN project sites in the region, including the Khorog Park, which is currently being rehabilitated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, as well as the School for Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) of the University of Central Asia (UCA).
The Aga Khan’s visit to Tajikistan is part of a 10-day trip to Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
