Damascus, Syria, 24 August 2008 - His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam, (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), arrived in Damascus today, on a 6-day official visit to Syria. He was received at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Abdullah Al-Dardari, Minister of Tourism, Dr Sa'dallah Agha Al-Qal'a, various faith leaders as well as leaders from the Ismaili Community in Syria and officials from the AKDN.