At the Hôtel de Beauvau, official home of France’s Interior Ministry, Mr Darmanin presented, on behalf of the President of the Republic, the insignia of Chevalier de l'ordre national de la Légion d'honneur to President Shamir.
In his address to guests, Mr Darmanin paid tribute to Mawlana Hazar Imam, and commended the contributions by the Ismaili community to civil society in France and around the world.
“His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan has said that pluralism means not just accepting differences between people but embracing them completely.” said Mr Darmanin. “These deeply profound words speak first and foremost of the human and spiritual qualities of a personality who has given so much to our country, to France, and whose work continues to shine through his children and all the faithful Ismailis, whom he guides.”
“The Ismaili faith advocates dialogue with all,” Mr Darmanin continued, “promoting diversity as a virtue, encouraging everyone to participate fully in the life of the country in which they live. It is a commitment to which the Aga Khan continually invites you, because there can be no dichotomy between the spiritual and the material, between faith and social life.”
Upon receiving the award, one of the nation’s most prestigious honours, President Shamir spoke of Hazar Imam’s commitment to France, and outlined some of the projects that the Aga Khan Development Network has undertaken with the support of French institutions.
“This recognition primarily reflects the commitment to France of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, his family… his institutions, and his community,” he said in his acceptance remarks.
Through AKDN programmes and activities, the Ismaili Imamat has fostered a productive partnership with France over many years. Together, they have spearheaded innovative development projects, from advancing education and healthcare to revitalising heritage sites and promoting economic empowerment, helping to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by communities in the developing world. Earlier this month, the Institut de France and the Town of Chantilly honoured Mawlana Hazar Imam's immense contributions to protecting and revitalising the cultural heritage of Chantilly.
“Today's ceremony gives us a wonderful opportunity to reiterate our gratitude and thanks to France for its welcome, its openness, and for the joint projects in many areas,” President Shamir said.
He also spoke of the history of the Jamat in France, who have migrated and settled from various parts of the developing world in recent decades. “Our history is diverse, coming from Madagascar, Africa, Syria and Asia. It shows that integration can be successful when it is based on the values of education, knowledge, intellect and hard work,” President Shamir explained.
“As we contemplate this journey, we must realise that we are privileged today. We are here, at this very moment, strengthened by our heritage, which guides our actions,” he added. “We owe this singular journey to the advice and ongoing guidance of His Highness the Aga Khan for almost seven decades,”
“This Legion d'honneur is much more than just a decoration,” President Shamir concluded. “I receive it with great humility and it obliges me, it obliges all of us here, to continue to do more.”
Prince Rahim is also attending the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, hosted by President Macron this week in Paris. The Summit is bringing together world leaders to build a more responsive, fairer and more inclusive international financial system to fight inequalities, finance the climate transition, and help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
