President Paul Kagame to Visit Cambodia as Rwanda Pursues Strategic Deals Ahead of Francophonie Summit
President of Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame will visit Cambodia on Friday, November 13, 2026, for high-level talks expected to deepen diplomatic relations and unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, aviation and tourism, as Rwanda seeks to strengthen its economic partnerships ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh.
According to a statement issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, November 11, the Rwandan Head of State will make the visit at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni.
During his stay, President Kagame is expected to hold discussions with several senior Cambodian leaders, including Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The talks will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest, reflecting both countries’ commitment to building stronger diplomatic and economic ties.
The visit is also expected to deliver concrete agreements, with Rwanda and Cambodia scheduled to sign cooperation deals covering trade, investment, air transport and tourism. The agreements are expected to create new avenues for business partnerships, improve connectivity and promote mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
President Kagame’s visit comes ahead of the 20th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), scheduled to take place in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, from November 14 to 16, 2026.
The summit is expected to determine the organisation’s next Secretary-General, with three candidates competing for the position currently held by Rwandan diplomat Louise Mushikiwabo.
Mushikiwabo has led the organisation since 2019, following her election in 2018, and secured a second four-year term in 2022. If re-elected, she would continue leading the 90-member organisation for another four years.
Her potential re-election would represent a continuation of Rwanda’s leadership within the Francophone community, while the summit is also expected to provide an opportunity for member states to discuss shared priorities and strengthen cooperation.
Rwanda and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 2005, and their partnership has continued to develop over the years.
Rwanda’s interests in Cambodia are currently represented by Ambassador Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa, who is based in Seoul, South Korea, and is accredited to the Southeast Asian country.
Beyond diplomatic and economic cooperation, Cambodia also offers opportunities for tourism, particularly through its natural landscapes and wildlife heritage.
Its northern forests were historically home to a diverse range of large mammals, including elephants, hippopotamuses, leopards, tigers and bears, among other species. However, wildlife populations have faced growing pressure from hunting and other conservation challenges.
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