DUSHANBE, October 27, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Issues related to implementation of programs of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan were a major topic of  a meeting of Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi with Prince Amyn Aga Khan that was held in Dushanbe on October 22, according to the Tajik MFA.  

In the course of the talks, Zarifi and Prince Amyn Aga Khan, in particular, considered issues related to activities of the AKDN development agencies such as the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and its Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP) aimed at enhancement of education, health, energy, agrarian and tourism sectors in Tajikistan.

The two discussed the progress of implementation of the projects for construction of the Dushanbe Serena Hotel and the Ismaili Center in Dushanbe, as well as construction of small power plants and transport infrastructure in Tajikistan.  

During the meeting, the minister drew attention of Prince Amy Aga Khan to implementation of additional projects for enhancement of Tajikistan’s agrarian sector.  

The sides also discussed the progress of the AKDN humanitarian projects in Tajikistan, the Tajik MFA said.  

We will recall that Prince Amyn Aga Khan, younger brother of His Highness the Aga Khan, arrived in Dushanbe for a short visit on October 21.  During his stay in Dushanbe, Prince Amyn Aga Khan reviewed the AKDN programs in Tajikistan.  

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) brings together a number of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work primarily in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa.  AKDN agencies conduct their programs without regard to the faith, origin or gender.  Operating in Tajikistan since 1992, AKDN draws on a strong base of experience in working with mountain societies.  It works in all regions of the country and employs approximately 3,000 people through its operations and investments.