The Vanj Bridge joins three other bridges at Darwaz, Tem, and Ishkashim as part of the Aga Khan Development Network’s multi-sector cross-border development strategy. Since 2002, the bridges have served as the primary connection between Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan Oblast and Afghanistan’s Badakhshan Province. - Photo: AKDN

(from left to right): Governor of Afghan Badakhshan H.E. Shah Waliullah Adib, Resident Representative of the AKDN in Tajikistan Munir Merali, Afghan Minister of Tribal and Border Affairs H.E. Asadullah Khalid, President of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon, the Afghan Ambassador to Tajikistan H.E. Abdulgafor Orzu, and the Chairman of Gorno-Badakhshan H.E. Qodir Qosim cutting the ribbon on the Vanj Bridge. - Photo: AKDN

The Resident Representative of the AKDN in Tajikistan Munir Merali and the President of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon. - Photo: AKDN

(from left to right): Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Tajikistan Dr. Pascal Richter, the Resident Representative of the AKDN in Tajikistan Munir Merali, Head of the Afghanistan Unit for the Department of Asia and Africa at the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manuchehr Hojiev and the Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Foundation Tajikistan Yodgor Faizov at the site of the Vanj Bridge. - Photo: AKDN

A cross-border market, customs centre and other border facilities are under development with the support of the Government of Germany through a US$428,000 grant from Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). Thriving markets have appeared at each of the previous bridges constructed by AKDN. - Photo: AKDN