Cambodia | President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Thursday morning, November 12, ahead of the 20th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), scheduled for November 15–16, 2026.
The presidential visit marks an important diplomatic engagement between Rwanda and Cambodia, bringing renewed attention to bilateral cooperation, international partnerships and Rwanda’s growing involvement in multilateral diplomacy.
Beyond the Francophonie summit, President Kagame’s programme includes high-level consultations with Cambodia’s senior leadership and discussions aimed at expanding economic and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
According to the programme announced by the Rwandan Presidency, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame are scheduled to meet King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on Friday morning, November 13.
Following the royal audience, the presidential couple is expected to visit Cambodia’s Independence Monument and the memorial dedicated to the late King Norodom Sihanouk, father of the reigning monarch.
The visits will provide an opportunity to acknowledge Cambodia’s national history and cultural heritage while strengthening diplomatic goodwill between Kigali and Phnom Penh.
Later in the afternoon, President Kagame is scheduled to hold separate discussions with Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
These engagements are expected to advance political dialogue and explore opportunities for closer cooperation across several strategic sectors.
Economic diplomacy will feature prominently during President Kagame’s visit, with Rwanda and Cambodia expected to conclude cooperation agreements covering trade, investment, aviation and tourism.
The anticipated agreements reflect a shared interest in strengthening commercial relations and establishing new avenues for cooperation between Africa and Southeast Asia.
For Rwanda, closer engagement with Cambodia could support efforts to diversify international partnerships, attract investment and expand opportunities for tourism and business development.
Cooperation in air transport could also contribute to improved connectivity, facilitating commercial exchanges and creating additional opportunities for travellers and investors.
The diplomatic discussions underscore the importance of international partnerships in promoting sustainable economic development and mutually beneficial investment.
President Kagame will participate in the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh on November 15 and 16.
The gathering will bring together leaders from French-speaking countries and governments to discuss international cooperation, peace, security and shared development priorities.
This year’s summit will focus on strengthening peace as a foundation for inclusive development and lasting security.
The discussions come as Francophonie member countries continue to examine ways to strengthen economic resilience, diplomatic cooperation and institutional partnerships amid evolving international challenges.
The summit will also provide an important platform for African countries, including Rwanda, to contribute to discussions shaping the organisation’s future priorities.
A major development during the summit will be the election of the next Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie for the 2027–2030 term.
The election, scheduled for November 16, is expected to involve representatives of the organisation’s 53 member states and governments identified in the summit’s electoral arrangements.
Incumbent Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo, a prominent Rwandan diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, is seeking another term.
The candidates identified in the summit preparations include Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Coumba Ba of Mauritania and Dacian Cioloș of Romania.
The leadership contest represents an important moment for the organisation as its members consider future priorities, institutional development and the Francophonie’s influence in international affairs.
Mushikiwabo’s candidacy also draws attention to Rwanda’s diplomatic engagement within the Francophonie and the country’s contribution to multilateral cooperation.
The 2026 summit carries particular historical significance for Cambodia, which is hosting the Francophonie’s highest-level gathering for the first time.
It also marks the organisation’s return to Southeast Asia for a summit after nearly three decades, following the meeting held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 1997.
Cambodia’s selection as host highlights the Francophonie’s international reach, extending beyond traditional French-speaking regions to encompass countries with diverse cultural, geographical and historical backgrounds.
For Rwanda, President Kagame’s participation combines bilateral diplomacy with multilateral engagement at a time when international cooperation, economic diversification and sustainable peace remain central to global development discussions.
As leaders prepare to convene in Phnom Penh, the summit offers Rwanda an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, develop new diplomatic relationships and contribute to decisions that will shape the Francophonie’s leadership and strategic direction over the coming years.
