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Lisbon, Portugal, 19 June 2017 - His Highness the Aga Khan today announced a contribution of Euros 500,000 towards the support of victims of the deadly forest fire in Pedrógão Grande in central Portugal. The fire left more than 60 people dead and several more injured.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of those who have lost their lives in this tragic fire,” the Aga Khan said. “We wish to assure His Excellency President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the people of Portugal, of our unconditional support at this very trying time.” The Aga Khan spoke directly with the President over the weekend to offer his sympathy and support.

The half a million euro contribution from the Ismaili Imamat – the office of His Highness the Aga Khan – will be channelled through the Ministry of Solidarity. The funds together with others raised by local and international organisations in response to the crisis, will aid victims affected by the tragic fire, which was one of the worst such disasters in Portugal’s recent history.

A formal Seat of the Ismaili Imamat was established in Portugal on 3 June 2015, following the signing of a landmark agreement with the Republic of Portugal. The Agreement came into effect after it was approved by Portugal’s Parliament and ratified by the President of the Portuguese Republic.

His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, a global community spread over 25 countries worldwide and who represent a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and nationalities. He is founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the largest private development networks today. The Aga Khan Foundation, one of the agencies of the AKDN, has been working in Portugal for over 30 years.

For more information please contact:

Rahim Kassam
Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
Rua de São Domingos à Lapa, 58
1200-836, Lisbon, Portugal
+351 21 394 91 10
+351 96 218 50 42
Rahim.kassam@akdn.org