President Kagame set for historic state visit to Cambodia

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is expected in Cambodia on November 13 for talks with the country’s top leadership, as both nations look to expand cooperation in trade, investment, aviation and tourism.

According to a statement issued by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on November 11, the visit will be undertaken at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni.

During his stay, Kagame will receive a royal audience with King Sihamoni at the Royal Palace, where the two leaders are expected to exchange views on relations between their countries.

The Rwandan Head of State is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with Cambodia’s senior political leaders, including Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

A major outcome of the visit is expected to be the signing of several agreements and cooperation documents covering trade, investment, air transport and tourism.

According to the Cambodian Foreign Ministry, the arrangements are intended to strengthen economic and commercial relations while opening new opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.

The visit represents an important step in the diplomatic relationship between Rwanda and Cambodia, two countries separated by considerable geographical distance but sharing interests in international cooperation and economic development.

Their diplomatic engagement has gradually expanded through political exchanges and multilateral platforms.

A significant development came in November 2025, when Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn visited Rwanda and held talks with his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe.

During that visit, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing consultations between their foreign ministries and an agreement granting visa exemptions to holders of diplomatic and official passports.

The agreements provided a framework for more regular diplomatic engagement and easier official exchanges.

Kagame’s visit also comes ahead of Cambodia’s hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November 14–16, 2026, in Phnom Penh.

The gathering will bring together heads of state and government from across the French-speaking world under the theme, Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability.

The summit is also expected to draw attention to the race for the Secretary-General position at the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), with member states set to choose the organisation’s next leader.

Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, who has held the position since 2019, is seeking another term.

She faces three challengers: Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Coumba Ba of Mauritania and Dacian Cioloș, a former Romanian Prime Minister.

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