On 10 July 2025, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Paris, France, for his first official visit to meet the Jamat since becoming our 50th Imam. At the invitation of His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received by Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, the French government’s official representative to the Ismaili Imamat. Shamir Samdjee, the Ismaili Imamat’s representative to France, and Aiaze Mitha, President of the Ismaili Council for France were also present. Hazar Imam was accompanied by his sons Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan.
A delegation of Jamati leaders welcomed Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamats from France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Côte d’Ivoire.
On 11 July, Mawlana Hazar Imam met President Macron at Élysée Palace for private discussions to begin his official visit to France. He was accompanied by Prince Amyn, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad, along with leaders of the Jamat and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Three agreements were signed at the Élysée:
1. 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 a 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.
2. Declaration of Intention 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.
3.Declaration of Intention 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:
protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems, in particular mangroves;
the promotion of nature-based solutions to respond to the climate crisis;
the development of opportunities in the blue and green economies; and
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.
This visit reinforces a longstanding relationship, spanning decades and across multiple areas of endeavour. For more than three decades, 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.
Hazar Imam’s family has enjoyed close relations with France going back over 75 years. Mawlana Shah Karim was well-known and respected for his contributions to France in culture, tourism, diplomacy, and thoroughbred racing, amongst other areas.
Members of the Ismaili community have lived in France for more than six decades and contribute actively to the strength and prosperity of the country.
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