Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kyrgyzstan
Media Source: Asia-Plus (Tajikistan)
Date: 5 March 2024
Prince Rahim Aga Khan, the eldest son of His Highness the Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), recently met with Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov at the Ala Archa State Residence in Bishkek. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed AKDN’s longstanding involvement in the Kyrgyz Republic and expressed a mutual interest in enhancing cooperation across several areas. These areas include climate change mitigation and adaptation, improving educational and economic opportunities, and protecting mountain regions, along with their ecosystems, cultural heritage, habitats, and overall quality of life. AKDN has a significant presence in all seven provinces of Kyrgyzstan, tailoring its efforts to meet locally identified development priorities. Prince Rahim said: “I am delighted to be back in the Kyrgyz Republic following my last visit in 2016. This is an important moment to reinforce our long-standing friendship. We look forward to deeper cooperation towards our shared goal of a peaceful and prosperous future for this beautiful country.”
