President of the Republic and Prime Minister offer His Highness State Welcome and host meetings on occasion of the Diamond Jubilee

Lisbon, Portugal, 9 July 2018 - President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, officially welcomed His Highness the Aga Khan to Portugal during a ceremony and meetings at the Belém Palace. His Highness received State honors upon his arrival and was greeted on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee, commemorating 60 years of global leadership and contributions to humanity. More than 40,000 members of the Ismaili community have gathered in Portugal for the culmination of year-long celebrations taking place this week throughout Lisbon.

During the meetings at the Presidential Palace, the parties discussed ways that the Ismaili Imamat, and the agencies and institutions of the AKDN, are partnering with the Government and people of Portugal to improve the quality of life of communities within the Portuguese jurisdictions and around the world.  His Highness and meeting delegates also discussed opportunities for wider collaboration and ways in which they can further reinforce the strength of their existing relationship. 

Following the meeting with Portugal’s President, His Highness and his delegation were invited to a lunch hosted by Portugal’s Prime Minister, Mr. António Costa, held at Foz Palace, where various dignitaries were in attendance. As a tribute to His Highness’ Diamond Jubilee, Prime Minister António Costa presented the Aga Khan with commemorative limited edition First Day Diamond Jubilee stamps issued by the Postal Service of Portugal.

The relationship between these two communities spans centuries, and was reinforced by an Agreement signed in 2015 to establish a Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon. AKDN’s commitment to Portugal reflects His Highness’ deep respect for the country. These partnerships acknowledge the AKDN’s and the Republic of Portugal’s common objective in promoting peace and pluralism.

At a dinner hosted by the President of the Republic in the Aga Khan’s honour on the evening of 9 July 2018 at the Queluz Palace, His Highness expressed, “We have a very welcoming environment in Portugal; we have shared values – an appreciation for diversity, and a commitment to improve the quality of life where we live around the world. We have a global outlook.”   In his remarks, President de Sousa reaffirmed the strength and mutuality of Portugal’s relationship with the AKDN, "In these and other areas such as health, education, higher education, scientific research or culture, there has been very close cooperation guided by a strong ethical sensibility and humanist vision which has gradually intensified between the Aga Khan Development Network and Portugal both in terms of public institutions and civil society.”  

For Press Enquiries please contact:

Miguel Guedes
miguelguedes@gmtconsulting.pt
91 7274717

Semin Abdulla
Communications Manager
Aga Khan Development Network
Aiglemont, 60270 Gouvieux, France
+33 3 44 58 40 00
Semin.Abdulla@akdn.org

For more information about His Highness the Aga Khan’s Diamond Jubilee please visit: http://www.akdn.org/commemoration-of-diamond-jubilee-of-his-highness-aga-khan

For more information about the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) please visit: www.akdn.org

For more information about the Ismaili Community please visit: the.ismaili