His Highness the Aga Khan will visit Norway on 6 and 7 April. The purpose of which is to strengthen the development co-operation between Norway and the Aga Khan Development Network in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson will host the visit.

His Highness the Aga Khan is the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims and the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of agencies working to improve living conditions in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia. AKDN focus on the development of local communities and civil society in its poverty reduction efforts. Norway has co-operated with the AKDN in Pakistan and Afghanistan for many years, and is considering extending this co-operation to include East Africa.

During his visit, His Highness the Aga Khan will have talks with Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson and State Secretary Vidar Helgesen. Norway and the AKDN will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on development co-operation during the visit. The signing will take place at the Government Guest House on 6 April at 14.00.

His Highness the Aga Khan will also be the keynote speaker at a seminar entitled “Democratic Development, Pluralism and Civil Society” at the Norwegian Nobel Institute on 7 April at 10.00.

Contact person: Information Adviser Wera Helstrøm, tel: +47 99 40 93 23