DUSHANBE, October 30, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Dushanbe, 30th October 2011 -- His Highness the Aga Khan, founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims, is expected to arrive in Dushanbe tonight, on a three-day visit to Tajikistan, AKDN Tajikistan reports.

While in the country, the Aga Khan will officially inaugurate the Dushanbe Serena Hotel together with His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon.  An embodiment of Tajik culture and heritage, the 5-star Dushanbe Serena Hotel with 95 rooms and apartments provides a variety of food and beverage outlets, meeting and conference rooms and other ancillary facilities.  The hotel is located in the heart of the country’s capital Dushanbe, on Roudaki Avenue and only a ten minute drive from the Dushanbe International Airport.

The Aga Khan and His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon are also expected to lay the foundation stone for the Shouroobod bridge, together with His Excellency Abdul Qudus Hamidi – Minister of Public Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.  The bridge – which will connect Shouroobod district of Khatlon Region and Khohon Province of Afghanistan – is the 5th bridge to connect Tajikistan and Afghanistan within the framework of regional initiatives of AKDN.  It is 162 m long and 3.5 m wide and has a load capacity of up to 30 mt.  The project will be implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation with financial support of German Government through its agency KfW.

His Highness the Aga Khan, Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is the 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.  In the context of his hereditary responsibilities, His Highness the Aga Khan has been deeply engaged with the development of Asia and Africa for more than 50 years.