Berlin: His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan concludes Germany Visit with High-Level Meetings, Multiple Agreements Signed.
On the final day of his visit to Germany, His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan met with the country’s President and senior government officials in a series of meetings aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the Federal Republic.
Meeting with President Steinmeier
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad to Villa Borsig, where the two sides discussed ongoing and potential areas of future collaboration.
Joint Declaration of Intent Signed
Following a separate meeting, Prince Rahim Aga Khan and Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul signed a Joint Declaration of Intent between the Ismaili Imamat and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. The document reflects a shared commitment to addressing some of today’s most pressing global challenges, with priority sectors including climate change, health, education, economic development, humanitarian issues, civil society, and governance.
“Germany has been a trusted partner for over six decades, sharing the Ismaili Imamat’s commitment to addressing critical development challenges, sustaining pluralism, and improving the quality of life in resource-poor environments,” Hazar Imam said. “I’m delighted that we are continuing to deepen this valued friendship.”
Meeting at BMZ
Hazar Imam and Prince Aly Muhammad also met with Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan at the BMZ offices. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and BMZ have sustained extensive collaboration since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2004.
Cultural Heritage Partnership: Qubbet al-Hawa Restoration
During the visit, an MOU was signed between the Egyptian Museum Berlin and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, establishing a framework for cooperation on projects of mutual interest. Under the agreement, the two institutions will jointly rehabilitate the Qubbet al-Hawa, or Dome of the Wind, in Aswan, Egypt — the resting place of ancient nobles and priests and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Asia Research Partnership Renewed
A separate MOU was signed between the International Security and Development Center (ISDC) and the University of Central Asia, renewing a long-standing partnership that includes the longest-running panel study in Central Asia, tracking the same individuals since 2010. Initially funded by the German Volkswagen Foundation with DIW Berlin as consortium leader, the study’s most recent phase has been jointly supported by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
A Six-Decade Partnership
AKDN’s relationship with Germany dates back to the early 1960s, beginning with German private-sector engagement in establishing Industrial Promotion Services, the industry and infrastructure arm of AKDN’s Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. The partnership has since expanded to 15 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
German institutions have committed nearly $1 billion to more than 250 AKDN projects spanning health, climate resilience, agriculture and food security, economic inclusion, education, and cultural rehabilitation. The Aga Khan Foundation is expected to open an office in Berlin later this year.
Farewell at the Airport
Following the meetings, a delegation of Jamati leaders gathered at the airport to bid Hazar Imam farewell, marking the conclusion of a historic visit.