DUSHANBE, December 23, 2013, Asia-Plus – On Saturday December 21, His Highness the Aga Khan discussed development issues at high-level meetings in Kabul, Afghanistan.

According to the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan met with the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, as well as ministers and senior officials of the Government of Afghanistan.

President Karzai expressed appreciation for His Highness the Aga Khan’s personal interests in and efforts towards the social and economic development of Afghanistan, citing the impact of AKDN in education, health, poverty alleviation, economic development and improvement in quality of life.  The Aga Khan reinforced the commitment of the Ismaili Imamat and AKDN to Afghanistan and appreciated the support of and partnership with the Government of Afghanistan.

The Aga Khan Development Network began working in Afghanistan in the late 1990s, providing food aid and a range of livelihood and support services to Afghans both in country as well as refugees who had fled their homes as a result of the conflict.

AKDN has channeled more than USD $900 million toward Afghanistan''s economic, social, and cultural reconstruction through partnerships with the Afghan government as well as international organizations and donors. AKDN programs encompass large-scale rural development; health, education, governance and civil society programs, including Afghanistan''s National Solidarity Program; the rehabilitation of historic neighborhoods in Kabul and Herat; the management and operations of a pediatric hospital and two provincial hospitals; an extensive network of financial and micro finance services; a rapidly growing mobile phone network with innovative investments in corporate social responsibility; and, a five-star hotel in Kabul.