The New Nation - Internet Edition

Agencies

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader (Imam) of the Ismaili Muslims, yesterday praised Mozambique as a model of successful post-conflict development and hailed the country's economic performance and tenacity in overcoming difficulties, says a message issued by the AKDN..

"In an era when frustration often breeds cynicism concerning the possibility of progress, Mozambique can provide inspiration and encouragement to other post-conflict societies," he said.

The Aga Khan, who is chairman and founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) with projects throughout Africa, noted that Mozambique's economic growth was one of the best in Africa despite continued problems. "The problems of poverty, disease and, illiteracy here are still enormous. But your recent progress has been built on sound principles - and for that reason, Mozambique has become a valuable model for the whole of the developing world," he said.

The Ismaili leader made the remarks at an official banquet in Maputo, held in his honour by Mozambique's President, Armando Guebuza, who invited him to the country. Mozambique was the first leg of the Aga Khan's 9-day tour of Southern Africa that also includes Madagascar. The visit is the Aga Khan's second to Africa since July 11, which marked the start of his year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The Aga Khan announced that AKDN will expand its involvement in Mozambique. He also said the people of Mozambique will benefit from the construction of a new undersea high-speed fibre optic cable that will link Southern and Eastern Africa with Mumbai in India and Marseilles in France - a project co-financed by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) - the network's economic development arm.