Aga Khan's Historic Visit to France: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

On July 11, 2025, His Highness the Aga Khan commenced an official visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, marking a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the French Republic. The visit took place at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President, where the Aga Khan was greeted with a guard of honour and a formal luncheon. Accompanying His Highness were prominent family members and leaders from his institutions, indicating the importance of this diplomatic engagement.

This visit is notably the first in a series aimed at countries with Ismaili Muslim communities, following the Aga Khan’s recent accession to the Ismaili Imamat earlier in 2025. During the meeting, three pivotal agreements were signed, which outline a comprehensive framework for cooperation across various sectors.

The first agreement formalizes a long-standing relationship between the French Republic and the Ismaili Imamat, focusing on development investment, humanitarian support, healthcare, education, and environmental protection, among other areas. According to the agreement, both parties aim to enhance dialogue and cooperation in international relations, fostering peace, stability, and respect for pluralism.

Additionally, a Declaration of Intent to Cooperate in Syria was established, emphasizing a collaborative approach towards humanitarian assistance and sustainable development in the region, which has faced ongoing crises. This cooperation aims to rebuild the economy through support for agricultural initiatives and entrepreneurship, as well as to reinforce the healthcare system.

A further Declaration of Intent was signed regarding the Indian Ocean region, specifically targeting the regeneration of coastal zones and marine ecosystems. This initiative, which involves a joint mobilization of €100 million, aims to address climate crisis challenges and promote economic opportunities within the blue and green economies in Mayotte, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

The visit also included discussions with other French officials, including Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, underscoring the extensive diplomatic engagement during this trip. Furthermore, two cultural agreements were formalized between the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH), and the Musée Guimet, to enhance ongoing cooperative projects in the cultural sector.

The historical context of this visit is significant, as the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has collaborated with the Agence Française de Développement for over three decades, encompassing more than 60 projects across Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. This partnership is reflective of the enduring ties that the Aga Khan's family has maintained with France for over 75 years, exemplified by the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV's contributions in various sectors including culture and diplomacy.

As His Highness the Aga Khan continues his visit, he is set to engage with members of the Ismaili community from France, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Côte d'Ivoire, reaffirming the community's active role and contribution to the prosperity of France. This series of events not only highlights the diplomatic relations between the Ismaili Imamat and France but also signifies a commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.

In conclusion, the Aga Khan's visit is a testament to the strong and evolving partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and France, with significant implications for humanitarian efforts, cultural cooperation, and sustainable development initiatives in the years to come.