DUSHANBE, November 7, 2008, Asia-Plus — On November 5, President Emomali Rahmon met with His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), at Dushanbe airport, according to presidential press service.
During the meeting, the Aga Khan and Rahmon exchanged views on the results of visit of the distinguished guest to Tajikistan. His Highness the Aga Khan expressed gratitude for cordial reception.
For his part, President Rahmon expressed gratitude for assistance provided by the Aga Khan to Tajikistan as well as for the plan for the future, the press service said.
As it had been reported earlier, the Aga Khan was on an official visit to Tajikistan from October 31 to November 5. His visit came 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 held talks with President Emomali Rahmon and a number of other high-ranking Tajik state officials to discuss the ongoing partnerships between the Government of Tajikistan and the AKDN in the areas of educational, social, and economic development. His Highness the Aga Khan also visited current AKDN construction projects in Dushanbe, including the Serena Hotel and the Ismaili Center.
In Gorno Badakhshan, His Highnes the Aga Khan met with members of the Ismaili community and visited 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).
