Paris, France, 11 July 2025 – His Highness the Aga Khan today began an official visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. The Aga Khan’s visit is the first in a series that will take him to countries in which the Ismaili Muslim community resides, following his accession to the Ismaili Imamat earlier this year.
His Highness was received at the Élysée Palace by President Macron for luncheon and private discussions. His Highness was accompanied by his uncle, Prince Amyn Aga Khan, his two brothers, Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, and leaders of his institutions.
Three agreements were signed at the Élysée:
- Agreement between the French Republic and the Ismaili Imamat. The agreement reinforces a long-standing and deep relationship. It spans the domains of development investment, humanitarian support, health care, education, higher education and research, culture and the arts, agriculture development, food security, infrastructure, environmental protection and the fight against climate change, and social cohesion. It also facilitates dialogue and cooperation in matters of international relations, with the aim of fostering peace and stability, reinforcing respect for pluralism, developing a strong and effective civil society, and promoting interfaith dialogue. The agreement recognises the presence of the Ismaili Imamat in France, including through official representation between the two parties and a joint coordinating committee.
- Declaration of Intent to Cooperate in Syria. France and the Ismaili Imamat signed a declaration confirming their intention to cooperate for the successful and peaceful transition in Syria, protection of human dignity, rebuilding resilience, and resettling displaced people. Cooperation will include responses to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and investments in the foundation for the sustainable, long-term development of the country, including rebuilding the economy through agricultural support and entrepreneurship; reinforcing the healthcare system; and providing cultural support to create employment and catalyse economic growth.
- Declaration of Intent to Cooperate in the Indian Ocean Region. France and the Ismaili Imamat signed a declaration of their intention to cooperate on the regeneration of coastal zones and marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean region. Notably, this initiative will include support for the reconstruction and sustainable development of Mayotte. The partnership will encompass four key priorities: (i) protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems, in particular mangroves; (ii) the promotion of nature-based solutions to respond to the climate crisis; (iii) the development of opportunities in the blue and green economies; and (iv) the reduction of pressure on coastal and marine zones by improved access to drinking water, energy, waste management and improved agricultural practices. The agreement envisages the joint mobilisation of Euro 100 million to support action in Mayotte, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Following his visit to the Élysée, the Aga Khan met with other government officials, including the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, and was received at the Quai d’Orsay by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot. Two agreements in the field of culture were signed: (i) between the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH), and (ii) between AKTC and the Musée Guimet. These agreements formalise ongoing cooperation and create the framework for new projects.
This visit reinforces a longstanding relationship, spanning decades and across multiple areas of endeavour. For more than three decades, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Agence Française de Développement have cooperated in areas of mutual concern, involving more than 60 projects in Africa, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. AKDN is a Founding Member of the Paris Peace Forum.
His Highness’s family has long-established links with France going back over 75 years. The late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was well-known and respected for his contributions to France in culture, tourism, diplomacy, and the bloodstock industry, amongst other areas. Prince Karim passed away in Lisbon on 4 February 2025. His eldest son, Prince Rahim, became the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims as well as the Chair of AKDN.
On 12 and 13 July, His Highness will meet with members of the Ismaili community from France, Switzerland, Belgium and the Côte d’Ivoire. An Ismaili community has lived in France for more than six decades and contributes actively to the strength and prosperity of the country.
Media Contact:
Fayyaz Nurmohamed, Director of Communications
fayyaz.nurmohamed@akdn.org