His Highness the Aga Khan, Mawlana Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, conducted an official visit to France from July 10-13, 2025. This significant visit included meetings with President Emmanuel Macron and senior French government officials, the signing of key cooperation agreements, and his first historic Didar (spiritual meeting) with the Ismaili community gathered in Paris.
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The visit marked the Aga Khan’s first community visit to any country since succeeding to the Imamat on February 4, 2025. It underscored the longstanding relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and France, spanning decades of collaboration in areas like development, culture, and diplomacy.
Aga Khan Begins Historic Visit to France
His Highness the Aga Khan arrived in France on the evening of Thursday, July 10, 2025, accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan. This arrival marked the beginning of a series of inaugural visits to his followers worldwide as the 50th hereditary Imam.
He was officially welcomed to Paris by Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, the French government’s representative to the Ismaili Imamat. Also present were Shamir Samdjee, the Ismaili Imamat’s representative to France, and Aiaze Mitha, President of the Aga Khan Ismaili Council for France, alongside a delegation of Ismaili community leaders from France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Côte d’Ivoire.
His Highness the Aga Khan welcomed to Paris by Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, French government representative, July 10, 2025
The visit was highly anticipated by the Ismaili community, particularly the prospect of Didar, a profound spiritual experience symbolizing the physical and spiritual connection with the Imam-of-the-Time. The concept of Nur, or Light of Imamat, associated with the Imam’s lineage, is central to the spiritual aspiration of his followers.
Meetings with French Leadership
On Friday, July 11, 2025, the Aga Khan was received at the Élysée Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting included a luncheon and private discussions, formally beginning the official visit. The Aga Khan was joined by his uncle, Prince Amyn, and his brothers, Prince Hussain and Prince Aly Muhammad, along with leaders from the Ismaili community and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
During the meeting, three significant agreements were signed between the French Republic and the Ismaili Imamat:
Agreement between French Republic and Ismaili Imamat
This agreement reinforces the deep and extensive relationship between France and the Ismaili Imamat. It outlines broad cooperation across various sectors, including development investment, humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, culture, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, environmental protection, and climate action. It also addresses social cohesion and facilitates dialogue on international relations to promote peace, stability, pluralism, civil society, and interfaith dialogue. The agreement formally recognizes the Ismaili Imamat’s presence in France, including official representation and a joint coordinating committee.
His Highness the Aga Khan and President Macron after signing agreement between French Republic and Ismaili Imamat, July 11, 2025
Cooperation Declaration on Syria
France and the Ismaili Imamat declared their intention to cooperate on efforts towards a peaceful transition in Syria. This includes protecting human dignity, rebuilding resilience, and resettling displaced people. Cooperation will focus on humanitarian assistance, sustainable development initiatives, economic rebuilding through agricultural and entrepreneurial support, reinforcing the healthcare system, and providing cultural support for job creation and economic growth.
Cooperation Declaration on Indian Ocean Region
A declaration was signed by France and the Ismaili Imamat expressing their intention to cooperate on the regeneration of coastal zones and marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean region. This initiative will support the reconstruction and sustainable development of Mayotte and encompass four priorities: protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems (like mangroves), promoting nature-based solutions for climate change, developing blue and green economies, and reducing pressure on coastal areas through improved access to water, energy, waste management, and agriculture. The agreement aims to mobilize Euro 100 million for actions in Mayotte, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Representatives sign cooperation agreements between France and Ismaili Imamat as Aga Khan and President Macron observe, July 11, 2025
Later on July 11, the Aga Khan met with French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, at the Quai d’Orsay, the seat of the Foreign Ministry. Minister Barrot welcomed the 50th Imam and expressed France’s desire for continued cooperation with the Ismaili Imamat for the common good, aiming for a “global, coherent and effective vision” towards peace, development, and human dignity.
The Aga Khan also held a meeting with the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, at Place Beauvau, the Minister’s official residence.
His Highness the Aga Khan meets with French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau in Paris, July 11, 2025
In the field of culture, two agreements were signed. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) formalized cooperation with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH) and with the Musée Guimet. These agreements aim to continue existing projects and establish frameworks for new cultural initiatives.
First Historic Didar in Paris
On Friday, July 12, 2025, His Highness the Aga Khan bestowed his first-ever Didar upon members of the Ismaili community since becoming the 50th Imam. The historic event took place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Ismaili Muslims from various countries under the jurisdiction of the Aga Khan Council for France gathered for this spiritual meeting, demonstrating community unity. A second Didar was scheduled for July 13 for Ismailis from other countries within the French jurisdiction.
His Highness the Aga Khan addresses Ismaili community at first Didar in Paris, July 12, 2025
The community expressed deep joy and happiness during this initial meeting (mulaqat) with their Imam in Paris. The Aga Khan, accompanied by his sons, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, conveyed guidance and blessings. He expressed gratitude for the tireless efforts of the volunteers who organized the visit.
His Highness the Aga Khan seated on stage during the historic Didar event in Paris, July 12, 2025
The Mukhi Saheb of the Paris Principal Jamatkhana presented the Bayah (oath of allegiance) to the Imam on behalf of the community. Aiaze Mitha, President of the Ismaili Council for France, delivered a welcome address.
A separate mulaqat was also held for young members of the community, highlighting the Aga Khan’s personal connection with the youth.
Aga Khan received by Paris Ismaili Jamatkhana leaders at Didar hall, July 12, 2025
Youth leaders from Belgium, Switzerland welcome Aga Khan to a separate mulaqat in Paris, July 12, 2025
His Highness the Aga Khan addresses young Ismaili community members during a mulaqat in Paris, July 12, 2025
To commemorate the visit, the community created an art installation titled “Ensemble-Together.” This piece serves as a visual narrative of the community’s history and migration across various regions, represented by symbolic plants and fruits like the Mangrove, Olive Tree, Pomegranate, Fig, and Grape Leaves. The artwork included hundreds of handwritten messages from community members expressing commitment to the environment, service to the Imam, and the community.
His Highness the Aga Khan meets with young Ismaili Volunteers during his Paris visit, July 12, 2025
President Aiaze Mitha presents 'Ensemble-Together' art installation to His Highness the Aga Khan, July 12, 2025
At the conclusion of the Didar, the Aga Khan waved farewell to the assembled volunteers and community members.
His Highness the Aga Khan waves to Ismaili Volunteers in Paris, July 12, 2025
Ismaili Volunteers wave farewell as Aga Khan departs the Didar hall in Paris, July 12, 2025
Context and Significance
The Aga Khan’s visit reinforced a relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and France that has grown over decades. Collaboration between AKDN and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has supported over 60 projects across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The Aga Khan’s family also has historical ties to France, dating back over 75 years, with the late Aga Khan IV recognized for his contributions in various fields.
The Ismaili community has been present in France for more than sixty years and contributes to the country’s society. The visit of the 50th Imam marks a significant spiritual moment for Ismailis globally, as it is the first of his inaugural visits guided by the traditional concept of Nur (Light).
The visit highlights the multifaceted role of the Ismaili Imamat, encompassing both diplomatic engagement with states on development and cultural initiatives, and the spiritual leadership of a global community.
This visit sets the stage for future engagements and reinforces the commitment of the Ismaili Imamat and France to work together on global challenges and foster intercultural understanding. Readers interested in learning more about the Aga Khan Development Network’s work or the history of the Ismaili Imamat can explore related content.
