DUSHANBE, April 5, 2012, Asia-Plus -- His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Dushanbe yesterday, where he was received by Tajikistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Hamrokhon Zarifi, the AKDN Resident Representative, Munir Merali, and leaders of the Ismaili community in Tajikistan, AKDN Tajikistan reports.

Shortly thereafter, the Aga Khan visited the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, to discuss a number of ongoing and planned AKDN projects in Tajikistan, national and regional challenges and opportunities for collaboration and development.

In light of the recent regional economic cooperation conference on Afghanistan held in Dushanbe, the Aga Khan reaffirmed the Network’s commitment towards cross-border development and Afghanistan.

At the event, the Aga Khan conveyed his appreciation to the government for facilitating the registration of a religious organization of the Ismaili Community in Tajikistan. This registration is in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Associations.  Other religious communities have also been registered under this law, which speaks to the respect for the values of pluralism to which the Constitution of the Republic upholds.

Following a lunch hosted by the President in honor of His Highness’ visit, His Highness met the newly-appointed leaders of the Ismaili Communities Institutions at the Ismaili Center, before departing Dushanbe.