President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame landed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 12, 2026, for a working visit. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Rwanda and Cambodia. During their stay, the Rwandan delegation will sign several cooperation agreements with Cambodia in unspecified areas. The agreements are expected to enhance collaboration between the two nations.

On November 13, 2026, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette will be received at the Royal Palace by King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia. The reception will be followed by bilateral talks between the two leaders. The King will also host a dinner in honor of the Rwandan delegation. This visit is a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Cambodia.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette will also pay a visit to the Independence Monument and the statue of Norodom Sihanouk, the late King of Cambodia. They will then meet with Hun Sen, the President of the Cambodian Senate, and Khuon Sudary, the President of the National Assembly. These meetings will pave the way for further discussions with Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The working visit will also include President Kagame's participation in the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November 15-16, 2026. The summit will bring together heads of state and government at the Chroy Changvar International Conference and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh. The theme of the summit is "Boosting investment in peace for sustainable development and security."

The summit will focus on international cooperation and the role of governments in addressing common challenges. The Francophonie Organization will also elect a new Secretary-General during the summit. President Kagame's participation in the summit highlights Rwanda's commitment to strengthening ties with other Francophone countries.

The visit and the summit will provide a platform for President Kagame to engage with other world leaders and discuss global issues. The meetings will also offer opportunities for Rwanda and Cambodia to explore new areas of cooperation. The agreements signed during the visit are expected to have a positive impact on the economic and social development of both countries.

President Kagame's working visit to Cambodia is a significant step in strengthening Rwanda's diplomatic relations with other countries in the region. The visit and the summit will provide a platform for Rwanda to engage with other nations and discuss global challenges. The outcomes of the visit are expected to have a lasting impact on Rwanda's international relations.

Key points

  • President Kagame's visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Rwanda and Cambodia.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.