His Highness the Aga Khan Begins Official Visit to Portugal, Deepening Bilateral Ties

Official Visit Underway in Lisbon

His Highness the Aga Khan, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrived in Portugal on December 1, 2025, for an official visit scheduled to conclude on December 4, 2025. The visit is taking place at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, highlighting the strong diplomatic and collaborative relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the Portuguese Republic.

Upon his arrival, His Highness was received by several dignitaries, including Ambassador Francisco Vaz Patto, Head of State Protocol; Prof. Francisco Proença Garcia, Chairman of the Portuguese Delegation to the Seat Agreement Joint Committee; Yasmin Bhudarally, President of the Ismaili Council for Portugal; and Nazim Ahmad, Diplomatic Representative of the Ismaili Imamat to Portugal.

Strengthening a Historic Partnership

This visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and Portugal, which has been steadily growing for decades. Portugal became home to the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat in 2015, following a landmark agreement that was unanimously endorsed by the Portuguese Parliament.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), through its agency the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), has maintained a presence in Portugal since 1983. The AKF's work in the country focuses on critical areas such as:

• Early childhood development and education
• Strengthening civil society
• Social and economic inclusion, particularly for migrant communities
• Care for the elderly

Engagement with the Ismaili Community

A key aspect of the Aga Khan's visit is to meet with the Ismaili communities of Portugal and Spain, who fall under the jurisdiction of the Ismaili Council for Portugal. These meetings, referred to as 'Didar,' provide a unique opportunity for spiritual communion.

To ensure focus on the local Jamat (community), His Highness has requested that Ismaili members from other countries refrain from traveling to Portugal during this period.

Previous Engagements and Future Collaborations

The relationship between the Aga Khan and Portugal has been marked by numerous high-level interactions and collaborative initiatives. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has previously honored the Aga Khan with the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty and has consistently praised the Ismaili Imamat's contributions to pluralism and human dignity.

Notable past collaborations include the donation of a da Vinci Surgical System to a public hospital in Lisbon in November 2019, and the establishment of the Ismaili Centre Lisbon in 1998. The ongoing partnership aims to improve the quality of life for people within Lusophone communities and globally, reflecting shared values of religious freedom, tolerance, and pluralism.