Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame received by Cambodia’s King

By The Inspirer.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame were received by Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh during an official welcoming ceremony on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The ceremony was followed by talks between Kagame, the First Lady and King Norodom Sihamoni aimed at further strengthening friendly relations and cooperation between Rwanda and Cambodia.

President Kagame and Jeannette Kagame arrived in Cambodia on Thursday, November 12, 2026, for a working visit aimed at promoting bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, tourism and air transport.

Following their reception by the King, Kagame and the First Lady visited Cambodia’s Independence Monument and the memorial dedicated to Norodom Sihanouk, the country’s former King and father of the current monarch, Norodom Sihamoni.

In the afternoon, President Kagame was also scheduled to hold talks with senior Cambodian leaders, including Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary and Prime Minister Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet.

During the visit, Rwanda and Cambodia were also expected to sign cooperation agreements covering various sectors, including trade, investment, air transport and tourism.

The agreements are expected to establish a framework for expanding cooperation, creating new business opportunities and encouraging investors from both countries to explore joint ventures.

Kagame to attend 20th Francophonie Summit

Following the working visit, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame are expected to attend the 20th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh from November 15 to 16, 2026.

The summit will be held at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together heads of state and government to discuss international cooperation, the role of international organisations and sustainable development.

The meeting is particularly significant for Rwanda as it will include the election of the OIF Secretary-General for the 2027–2030 term.

Among the candidates for the position is Rwandan Louise Mushikiwabo, who has led the organisation since 2019. She was first elected in 2018 and secured a second term in 2022.

If re-elected, Mushikiwabo would become the second OIF Secretary-General to serve three terms, after former Senegalese President Abdou Diouf, who also led the organisation for three terms.

The Phnom Penh summit will provide an opportunity to review the organisation’s future direction and elect its leadership for the next term.