Porto, Portugal, 9 July 2019 - Prince Amyn Aga Khan, brother of His Highness the Aga Khan (Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network) was today conferred with the Medal of Honour of the City of Porto by the Mayor of Porto Mr Rui Moreira in recognition of his patronage to the arts. The distinction was also presented to Alberto Martins, former minister of Justice and former Member of Parliament of the Socialist Party.

Speaking at the ceremony which took place at the Mayor’s official residence on the anniversary of the arrival of the liberal army to Porto in 1832, Mayor Rui Moreira said: “Today we present the city’s Medal of Honour to a great patron of the arts with a concern for tolerance”.

Municipal medals aim to recognise distinguished individuals for their personal merits or civic deeds as well as municipal officials for the performance of their duties. The Medal of Honour of the City is Porto’s highest distinction and acknowledges those who have rendered services of exceptional relevance or who have distinguished themselves in areas of human activity.

The conferral of the Medal of Honour of the City, grants the awarded individual the title of ‘Citizen of Porto’” and the collective entity the title of “Benefactor of Porto.” The Medal of Honour of the City of Porto features an allegory and the heraldic symbol of the city in gold.

Earlier this year, in May, the Mayor of Porto conferred His Highness the Aga Khan with the Keys to the City of Porto for his contribution “not only to Portugal, but also to Europe and to the world,” and to the betterment of society globally. Upon receiving the honour, His Highness lauded Portugal for building a strong pluralist society.