DUSHANBE, October 12, 2009, Asia-Plus — On Sunday October 11, President Emomali Rahmon met here with His Highness the Aga Khan, the Spiritual Leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, according to presidential press service.
In the course of the talks, the sides discussed issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
His Highness the Aga Khan informed President Rahmon of his visit to Khorog, the capital of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (Gorno Badakhshan or GBAO) and expressed satisfaction with the process of implementation of the AKDN-supported projects in Tajikistan.
Both sides expressed interest in further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and AKDN.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims. It is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies working to empower communities and individuals to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. The Network’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all citizens, regardless of gender, origin or religion. The AKDN’s underlying ethic is compassion for the vulnerable in society. Its annual budget for philanthropic activity is in excess of US$450 million.
