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Rwanda’s cultural ties with Cambodia take centre stage at Francophonie event
Rwanda’s National Ballet joined Cambodian performers at the opening of the Village de la Francophonie in Phnom Penh (…)
President Paul Kagame has begun his first state visit to Cambodia with a royal reception in Phnom Penh, as Rwanda and the Southeast Asian country seek to expand cooperation beyond their existing diplomatic relations.
Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame were received by King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace on Friday, November 13, in a ceremony followed by a private audience with the monarch.
The visit is expected to open new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, air transport and tourism, with both countries preparing to sign agreements covering the sectors.
Kagame’s programme includes meetings with Cambodia’s senior leaders, among them Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
He also held discussions with Hun Sen during the visit, with both sides expressing interest in strengthening cooperation and sharing experiences in their respective development efforts.
Rwanda and Cambodia established diplomatic relations in 2005, but have increasingly sought to develop practical areas of engagement.
In November 2025, the two countries signed agreements establishing regular consultations between their foreign ministries and facilitating visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Cooperation has also extended to the financial sector. The National Bank of Rwanda and the National Bank of Cambodia signed an agreement in April 2023 to promote cooperation in financial-sector development. In May 2026, the two institutions announced plans to facilitate digital payments between the countries.
During the visit, Kagame is also expected to pay tribute to Cambodia’s history by visiting the Independence Monument and the memorial to former King Norodom Sihanouk, father of the current monarch.
Francophonie summit adds diplomatic significance to visit
Kagame’s visit comes ahead of the 20th Summit of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), which Cambodia will host in Phnom Penh on November 15 and 16.
The summit will bring together leaders of French-speaking countries to discuss peace, shared prosperity and lasting stability.
It will also be significant for Rwanda because member states are expected to elect the organisation’s Secretary-General for the 2027–2030 term.
Rwanda’s Louise Mushikiwabo, who has held the position since 2018, is seeking another term. Her challengers are Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Coumba Ba of Mauritania and Dacian Cioloș of Romania.
The election is scheduled for November 16, with representatives of the OIF’s 53 full members expected to participate.
Cambodia is hosting the summit for the first time. The gathering is also the first to take place in Southeast Asia since the 1997 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.
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