DUSHANBE, November 1, 2008, Asia-Plus  - Issues related to cooperation between the Government of Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) were the focus of a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and founder and Chairman of the AKDN here on October 31.

As it had been reported earlier, the Aga Khan arrived in Tajikistan on Friday for a six-day official visit.

According to presidential press service, President Rahmon expressed gratitude to His Highness the Aga Khan for assistance provided with enhancing different branches of Tajikistan’s economy.  Rahmon and the Aga Khan expressed satisfaction with the present level of cooperation between the AKDN and the Tajik Government in developing tourism, education, health and other areas of Tajikistan’s social sector.

During the meeting, the sides expressed intention to expand cooperation in developing Tajik economy’s areas like farm produce processing, tourism and relevant industries, energy, communications, construction and road building in the future as well, the press service said.    

Today, His Highness the Aga Khan visited current AKDN construction projects in Dushanbe, including the Serena Hotel and the Ismaili Center.