Lisbon, Portugal, 22 April 2024 – His Excellency, the Honorable Ralph Goodale, High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, on April 22 presented his credentials as the Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, according to press release issued by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).  Prince Rahim Aga Khan received Mr Goodale’s credentials on behalf of His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and Founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.

The ceremony was the first formal presentation of diplomatic credentials to take place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon.  Mr. Goodale is the third appointee by Canada since the signing in 2014 of a Protocol of Understanding between the Government of Canada and the Ismaili Imamat.  The Protocol enables reciprocal appointments of diplomatic representatives.  Mr. Goodale succeeds Marc-André Blanchard, Canada’s then Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, and Gordon Campbell, Canada’s then High Commissioner in the United Kingdom.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Prince Rahim reportedly commented on the long relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Canada.  “The relationship, as you know, goes back more than 50 years. […] The work we have done with the Canadian Government has attempted to address some of the major issues of our time, and continues to do so.  Canada has been a preferred partner for the Imamat in the work we do internationally, but domestically as well.”

On behalf of the Government of Canada, Representative Goodale responded that “these are challenging times for the world, which makes the friendship with close and trusted friends and partners like the Imamat so very important.”  He reportedly concluded on a note of optimism for the future.  “From the contributions of community members in all facets of Canadian society […] to our collaboration in support of our shared values of pluralism, respect for diversity and human rights, both in Canada and abroad, I see only opportunities for us to continue to grow together.”

In announcing Representative Goodale’s appointment in December 2023, the Government of Canada said that it “reflects the importance that Canada places on its partnership with the Ismaili Imamat.  As Representative of Canada to the Ismaili Imamat, High Commissioner Goodale will work to further enhance relations through strategic-level dialogue and collaboration on areas of shared interest, such as international development, foreign policy, peace, and security, and on shared trade and economic objectives, as well as on the promotion of human rights, pluralism, and respect for diversity.  Canada and the Ismaili Imamat enjoy a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship, including through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation Canada, both of which are strategic partners of Canada in the promotion of democracy and reduction of poverty around the world.”