Damascus, Syria, 30 April 2026 – The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates at the Syrian Arab Republic have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding to expand AKDN’s work and investment in Syria, deepening cooperation across health, education, culture and economic development. The agreement formalises a commitment by His Highness the Aga Khan to invest at least €100 million in Syria over 2026 and 2027 in support of the country's recovery and sustainable development.

The memorandum was signed in Damascus by Ghitfan Ajjoub, AKDN Resident Representative in Syria, and Qutaiba Kadish, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry. It builds on the 2002 Framework Agreement for Development Cooperation and expands the scope of the partnership to include key government entities such as the Ministries of Health, Education, Energy, Agriculture, Culture and Emergency Management, as well as local governorates.

"This renewed commitment reflects our longstanding dedication to improving the quality of life for Syrian citizens," said Mr Ajjoub, adding that "by aligning our efforts with the Syrian Government's national priorities, we aim to deliver tangible results that foster economic opportunity, social cohesion and cultural vitality across the country."

About AKDN

The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of agencies, institutions and organisations whose mandate spans the creation, delivery and financing of development projects. It works to improve the quality of life of those who live in the poorest parts of the world, particularly in Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.