NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two sides discussed Pakistan-Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) cooperation and explored avenues for further collaboration.
Shehbaz warmly welcomed Prince Rahim and recalled his meeting with him during the latter’s visit to Pakistan earlier this year.
The prime minister appreciated Prince Rahim’s commitment to maintaining Pakistan’s longstanding friendly and positive ties with the AKDN and reaffirmed his resolve to work closely with him to advance shared objectives of peace, stability and development.
Shehbaz also appreciated the longstanding contributions of the Ismaili community to Pakistan’s socio-economic development, highlighting its tradition of service and civic engagement.
He lauded the contributions of AKDN institutions in promoting financial inclusion, tourism, cultural heritage preservation and economic empowerment through engagement with local communities.
The prime minister stressed the need to make full use of opportunities for greater cooperation in these areas to promote sustainable and inclusive development in Pakistan.
Prince Rahim thanked Shehbaz for his warm sentiments and appreciated his efforts for regional peace and stability at a time when the wider region is facing conflict.
He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the AKDN and expressed his desire to expand cooperation in human development, particularly in health, education, climate resilience and sustainable socio-economic development.
Shehbaz also invited Prince Rahim to visit Pakistan regularly to further strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two sides.
