Portugal’s President tours Ismaili Centre

Source: SULTAN JESSA

Portugal’s President visits Ismaili Centre in Lisbon

LISBON – Portugal: Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was warmly greeted by followers of the Aga Khan when he visited the imposing Ismaili Centre in Lisbon.

He was officially welcomed by Nazim Ahmed, diplomatic representative of the Ismaili Imamat in Portugal, Rahim Firozali, president of the National Council of Portugal and several other community leaders.

Rebelo de Sousa was taken on a conducted tour of the centre where he was many activities in progress.

In an interview, a government official told me President Rebelo de Sousa was impressed by the centre and enjoyed meeting and mingling with Ismailis.

The official said he heard conversations about the president’s father inaugurating the Maputo Jamat Khana in Mozambique many years ago.

The president participated in children’s activities and posed for pictures with young and old.
Hazar Imam has already announced Portugal will become the world headquarters of the Ismaili Imamat.

The exquisite Henrique Mendonca Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations to house the Imamat institutions.
Hazar Imam was officially welcomed to Portugal in May 2016 (see photograph).

Portugal has one of the largest concentrations of the Ismaili Muslims believed to number around 10,000.

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