The Aga Khan in Bishkek November 1, 2002 news

http://www.kabar.kg/english/02/Nov/01/1.htm
Photo-Kabar
November 1, 2002

Bishkek, October 31. (KABAR). The meeting of Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev with Prince Aga Khan was held in the Government House. In the course of the meeting, an Agreement on Economic Development between the Kyrgyz Republic and Aga Khan Fund is signed by Finance Minister of Kyrgyzstan Bolot Abildaev and Director of the Aga Khan Fund Yen Chein.

In words of A. Akaev, this agreement is a fundamental for further cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Aga Khan Fund. The data agreement will raise cooperation into a new level and expand spheres of interactions between the Kyrgyz Republic and Aga Khan Fund. First of all, the Agreement determines priority fields of cooperation of Kyrgyzstan and Aga Khan Fund, and will create favorable conditions for activity of the Fund in the republic. Thus, it will assist to economic development by strengthening and developing finance sector, tourism, inflow of investments, development of industrial chambers of the republic.

http://www.kabar.kg/english/02/Nov/01/6.htm
Kabar News
November 1, 2002

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture has launched the Music Initiative in Central Asia

Bishkek, November 1. (KABAR). The Aga Khan Fund for Culture has launched the Music Initiative in Central Asia, a multi-year programme designed to preserve and promote traditional music at he heart of the Silk Road: in Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekisan. According to the Aga Khan Fund, the Music Initiative provides financial resources and technical assistance for restoration and performance of classical masterpieces of Central Asian music, and supports recordings, research, conferences, publications and concerts of traditional music.

The Trust has already laid the groundwork for regular festivals for arts and music in Central Asia. The series is organized in partnership with the Silk Road Project, Inc., and will draw on the moment of the Silk Road Project to reinforce local cultural institutions. The long-term goal is for the local festivals to become artistically and financially self-sustaining through the development of a viable cultural infrastructure.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, a member of the Aga Khan Development Network, implements cultural initiatives aimed at revitalising heritage of Islamic communities and contributing to their social and economic development. Trust programmes include the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Historic Cities Support programme, the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at the Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ArchNet, the Music Initiative n Central Asia and the Aga Khan Humanities Project.

http://www.kabar.kg/english/02/Nov/01/4.htm
November 1, 2002
Kabar News

Inauguration of the Aga Khan School was held in southern capital of Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, November 1. (KABAR). The inauguration of the Aga Khan School was held in the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan – Osh. The private school, secular school which has been designated a “centre of excellence” will become the latest addition to network of nearly 300 educational institutions established and supported by Aga Khan Education Services around the world. The School includes academic centre with 22 class-rooms and audiences for seminars, sports hall and cafeteria.

The honorary rank of professor of the Osh State University is conferred to His Highness Aga Khan. In N. Kasiev’s words, this is acknowledgement for long and faithful engagement in the sphere of social development, education in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia.

http://www.kabar.kg/english/02/Nov/01/3.htm
Kabar News
November 1, 2002

Aga Khan: Kyrgyzstan might be unique in the sphere of tourism in Central Asia

Bishkek, November 1. (KABAR). Kyrgyzstan may reach a unique qualitative new level in the sphere of tourism in Central Asia, Prince Aga Khan said at the meting with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Askar Akaev. The goal of the Agreement on economic development between Kyrgyzstan and Aga Khan Fund is to attract foreign investments to the republic. In words of His Highness Aga Khan, that is very important on what selection of priority directions will be based in the field of development of tourism as, this industry is many-sided and competitive. Development of tourism, first of all, will create new workplaces, improve and protect environment. Through these projects it is possible to open new sectors inside this industry, where it is possible to put investments further.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of private development agencies established by His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims, to improve living conditions and opportunities in specific regions of the developing world. The Network’s social development agencies are: the Aga Khan Foundation whose programmes cover health, education, rural development and the enhancement of capacity among NGOs. The AKDN disburses an average of over US$200 million annually on non-profit activities.

http://www.kabar.kg/english/02/Nov/01/2.htm Kabar News
November 1, 2002
Kabar News

Aga Khan Fund creates new resources in southern Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, November 1. (KABAR). His Highness Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims met with Governor of Osh province of Kyrgyzstan and discussed integrated development programme. According to Prince Aga Khan, his organization intends to start implementation of a programme in Alai and Chon-Alai regions of Osh province. The programme will strengthen organization on a village level, concentrate attention on improving living standards of needy families. The main attention will be paid to cattle-breeding and potatoes planting. Other components of the programme designed to problems of providing service in the fields of healthcare, education, management, investment capabilities of small enterprises and microfinancing.

Governor N. Kasiev welcoming his initiative, he expressed gratitude on behalf of the province and Government.