Bamako, 08/02 - Malian and the Aga Khan Network on Monday in Bamako signed an establishment agreement spelling out general conditions under which the network led by the spiritual leader of Ismailia Muslims plans to undertake its economic and cultural sectors.
The Malian minister of foreign affairs and international co- operation Moctar Ouane and the Aga Khan Network`s director for diplomatic affairs, Shafik Sachedina signed the agreement, whose aim is to enhance its activities in the West African country.
Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré and the visiting Prince Aga Khan witnessed the agreement`s signing ceremony in Bamako.
Under the agreement, the Aga Khan network pledged to continue and diversify its activities in Mali through new development operations.
On the other hand, Malian authorities agreed to wave all types of customs duties, taxes and other charges to the office of the network`s representative, projects and programmes.
Bamako also pledged to facilitate the network`s representative`s office access to funds from bilateral donations, counterpart funds from donor countries and funds availed to the private sector in the form of local and national development aid programmes to Mali.