Lisbon, Portugal, 5 July 2024 – Yesterday, members of His Highness the Aga Khan’s family welcomed senior leaders of the Portuguese government and other distinguished guests to a reception at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. Many of the attendees have collaborated with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) over several decades.

The reception marked Imamat Day, the 67th anniversary of His Highness’s ascension to the Ismaili Imamat. In attendance were Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Prince Hussain Aga Khan and his wife Princess Fareen, as well as some of the country’s most senior officials, including former presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers and mayors, alongside members of the diplomatic community, civil society and AKDN leaders.

Prince Amyn extended a warm welcome to guests on this special occasion. “It is my hope that this building and your presence with us today will be seen as strong signals of hope,” he said.

“Our work in this country and our partnership with Portugal and its people provide us with the creations, discoveries and the actions not only to be of benefit to the people of this country but to work fruitfully and successfully in some of the most difficult regions of the world.”

Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal, expressed his appreciation to Portuguese leaders, past and present, for supporting AKDN’s work over many years.

“We reaffirm our strong commitment to continue together,” he said, “in the same spirit and with the same determination, on the path that we have been pursuing for a long time.”

Guests were treated to a special performance by the Aga Khan Master Musicians, renowned performers and composer-arrangers, in collaboration with the Amara Quartet, an all-female ensemble known for its contemporary renditions of the Portuguese traditional Fado.

Her Excellency the Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr Margarida Blasco, offered her congratulations to His Highness and the Jamat “for the excellent work that has been done here in Portugal, as in dozens of other countries, in favour of peace and social, economic and cultural development.”

“Portugal is proud to welcome you,” she added, “and to collaborate with you through the Aga Khan Development Network to create better living conditions for all.”