Statement by President Higgins on the death of the Aga Khan
Date: Wed 5th Feb, 2025 | 15:58
“As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences on the death of the Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim Al-Husseini.
As spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims and a dedicated philanthropist, the Aga Khan made an exceptional contribution across his life to the causes of education, health and development across the world.
The Aga Khan will of course be particularly remembered in Ireland for his deep connection with the sports of horseracing and showjumping, including his family’s long connection to the Aga Khan Trophy which is competed for each year during the Dublin Horse Show.
I was pleased to welcome the Aga Khan to Áras an Uachtaráin in 2018, when we had the opportunity to discuss the importance of supporting sustainable development and the strengthening of civil society to improve the quality of life of poor and marginalised communities.
As I noted on that occasion, at a time when many affect an indifference towards suffering, the Aga Khan endeavoured to address the root causes of conflict, promoting inter-cultural dialogue, pluralism, and the advancement of the status of women.
May I extend my condolences to Ismaili Muslims across the world, to the Aga Khan’s family, and to all his many friends across the world.”