THE Aga Khan, Imam of the Shia Ismaili Moslems, has visited Portugal at the formal invitation of the government.
The Aga Khan’s five-day visit to the country, which ended last Tuesday, was part of a series of visits around the world to mark his Golden Jubilee year, the 50th anniversary of his becoming the imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Moslems, an ethnically diverse community whose members reside in more than 25 countries, including Portugal.
During his visit, the Aga Khan held meetings with President Cavaco Silva, as well as with the president of the parliament and the prime minister.
His schedule also included meetings with the United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, the former president Jorge Sampaio.
On the second day of his visit, the Aga Khan signed an Agreement of International Co-operation between the Ismaili Imamat and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Portugal.
During the past 50 years, the Aga Khan has overseen the growth of one of the largest private development networks in the world.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is engaged in a wide range of activities in various fields, including education, healthcare, rural development, and cultural and economic development.
These activities, which are undertaken in some of the world’s poorest regions are aimed at the common good for all citizens, regardless of their race, gender or religion.
The work of the Aga Khan Development Network is well recognised internationally and is undertaken under the auspices of its nine agencies as well as in partnership with governments and many leading multilateral agencies.
In 2005, a protocol of co-operation was signed between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of the Republic of Portugal. In the same year, the Aga Khan Foundation Portugal and the Patriarchate of Lisbon formalised a Partnership Agreement that provides the framework for co-operation in an innovative urban community support programme, designed to tackle social exclusion and urban poverty.
The Aga Khan University and the Catholic University of Portugal earlier signed an agreement of collaboration as part of their efforts to foster scholarly understanding between diverse cultures.
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