His Excellency President Rahmon and His Highness the Aga Khan receive a traditional Tajik welcome from local communities upon their arrival in Kulyab, approximately 100 kilometres from Shurobad. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

The Aga Khan and President Rahmon of Tajikistan visit the site of the future Shurobad Bridge where the foundation-stone ceremony took place. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

His Highness the Aga Khan addresses those gathered for the ceremony to mark the laying of the foundation-stone of the Shurobad Bridge. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

President Rahmon of Tajikistan, the Minister of Public Works of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Abdulkudus Hamidi, and German Ambassador to Afghanistan, His Excellency Ruedeiger Koenig listen to His Highness the Aga Khan speak at the foundation-stone ceremony of the Shurobad Bridge. - Photo: AKDN / Gary Otte

Looking across the Pyanj River into Afghanistan. When completed, the Shurobod Bridge will contribute to increasing the livelihoods of isolated rural communities living along the Tajik and Afghan sides of the border. - Photo: Courtesy of Tajikistan Presidential Photographer

His Highness the Aga Khan, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Afghanistan Minister of Public Works Abdulkudus Hamidi plant a time capsule in the foundation block of the Shurobod Bridge. - Photo: Courtesy of Tajikistan Presidential Photographer

His Highness the Aga Khan, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Afghanistan Minister of Public Works Abdulkudus Hamidi pour the foundation of the new cross-border bridge at Shurobod. - Photo: Courtesy of Tajikistan Presidential Photographer