DUSHANBE, September 26, Asia-Plus  -- On sidelines of the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi met with His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims and the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), in New York on September 25.

According to Tajik MFA information department, the sides discussed issues related to implementation of programs of AKDN in Tajikistan.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalization of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin or gender.

AKDN works towards the vision of an economically dynamic, politically stable, intellectually vibrant, and culturally tolerant Tajikistan.  This is achieved by supporting the establishment of programs and institutions that allow the government, private sector and civil society to play complementary roles in increasing prosperity and creativity within a pluralistic society.  Operating in Tajikistan since 1992, AKDN draws on a strong base of experience in working with mountain societies.  It works in all regions of the country and employs approximately 3,000 people through its operations and investments.