DUSHANBE, April 4, 2012, Asia-Plus -- His Highness the Aga Khan paid an official visit to Urumqi, China, on April 2-4, at the invitation of the Governor of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Mr. Nur Bekri, to discuss collaboration between the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Government of Xinjiang, AKDN’s website reports.

His Highness and Governor Bekri held constructive talks during which the priorities for Xinjiang and the capacities of AKDN were discussed. They agreed to collaborate in several thematic areas of mutual interest, including poverty alleviation, education, tourism investment, and financial services.

His Highness last visited China in 1981.

His Highness the Aga Khan is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).  The AKDN works in over 30 countries to improve living conditions and opportunities, and to help relieve society of the burdens of ignorance, disease, and deprivation.  AKDN agencies are non-denominational and conduct programs without regard to the faith, origin or gender of beneficiaries.  They work to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa.  Some programs, such as specific research, education and cultural programs, span both the developed and developing worlds.