President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame have met Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh as Rwanda seeks to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with the Southeast Asian country.
The royal reception took place on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Royal Palace and was followed by discussions focused on strengthening friendship and expanding cooperation between the two countries. President Kagame and the First Lady arrived in Cambodia on Thursday, November 12, for a working visit aimed at opening further opportunities in trade, investment, tourism and air transport.
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Rwanda and Cambodia Prepare New Cooperation Agreements
Following the meeting with King Norodom Sihamoni, President Kagame was scheduled to hold talks with senior Cambodian leaders, including Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet.
The visit is also expected to result in the signing of cooperation agreements covering trade, investment, air transport and tourism. The agreements are intended to establish a framework for closer collaboration, create business opportunities and encourage investors from both countries to explore joint ventures. These areas are expected to provide new avenues for economic engagement while strengthening relations between Rwanda and Cambodia.
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Kagame Visits Cambodia’s Independence Monument
After the royal reception, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited Cambodia’s Independence Monument and the memorial dedicated to former King Norodom Sihanouk, the father of the reigning monarch. The visits formed part of the official programme during their stay in Phnom Penh.
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Kagame to Attend 20th Francophonie Summit
Following the working visit, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame will attend the 20th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), scheduled for November 15–16, 2026, in Phnom Penh.
The summit will take place at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together leaders from Francophone countries to discuss international cooperation, the role of international organisations and sustainable development. One of the major issues on the agenda will be the election of the OIF Secretary-General for the 2027–2030 term.
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Louise Mushikiwabo Seeks Third Term
The leadership election is particularly significant for Rwanda because its candidate, Louise Mushikiwabo, is seeking another term as Secretary-General of the organisation. Mushikiwabo has led the OIF since 2019, following her election in 2018, and was re-elected for a second term in 2022.
If re-elected, she would become only the second person in the organisation’s history to serve three terms in the position, following former Senegalese President Abdou Diouf, who also served three terms. Her candidacy places Rwanda’s interests in the organisation’s leadership among the key developments expected at the Phnom Penh summit.
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Summit to Shape OIF’s Next Direction
Beyond the leadership election, the summit will provide an opportunity for member countries to assess the organisation’s priorities and discuss its future direction.
For Rwanda, President Kagame’s participation in both the Cambodia working visit and the Francophonie summit provides an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations while engaging in wider international cooperation.
